Consultation, Advocacy, and Legal Services
Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings are complex and can be overwhelming for parents to navigate alone. It is difficult, even for the most knowledgeable parent, to know what services must be provided to meet the unique educational needs of his/her child. Access to knowledgeable education advocates is essential for parents to have an equitable seat at the table.
It is also essential for parents to have access to an attorney for legal representation as a means of enforcing the special education mandates when necessary. Attorneys have the training and knowledge of the special education laws for filing state administrative complaints. Also, students with disabilities need the legal skills of attorneys for due process hearings and youth court hearings.
There are insufficient resources in Mississippi that provide both advocacy and legal services. SEAS seeks to fill this desperate need. SEAS has extensive experience advocating for and representing students with disabilities. SEAS’ work will be centered around IEP meetings. SEAS’ advocacy and legal representation will ensure children with disabilities have an opportunity to receive appropriate special education services in the least restrictive environment.