Now Qualified – Special Education Mediation

As of March 25, 2015, and after the requisite training and observations, I have been added to the qualified list of mediators to provide services to the Arkansas Special Education Mediation Project (ASEMP). This includes facilitation of meetings to develop or modify a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and/or to mediate other Special Education and Section 504 disability accommodation claims. The program is not court-centered and is administered by the William H. Bowen School of Law’s Legal Clinic. Referrals to the mediator typically occur prior to the “due process” hearing or litigation being instituted. It's an early mediation program designed to help the parents and school administrators collaborate for the benefit of the child. I have observed each of the processes and look forward to assisting the school and parent team in coming together with a joint approach to a student’s genuine educational needs.