Families of children with autism in Northeast Ohio now have access to a new resource designed to help them navigate the often complex education system. A nonprofit organization, The Positivity Spectrum, has launched a free virtual legal clinic to assist parents with special education advocacy, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and long-term planning through special needs trusts. This initiative comes at a time when many families are facing increasing challenges in securing the federally protected services their children are entitled to receive.

For parents navigating special education law, the process can be overwhelming. From understanding their child’s rights to advocating for appropriate school accommodations, the stakes are high and the path is rarely straightforward. The new legal clinic aims to bridge that gap by offering expert guidance at no cost. According to Sarah Kovit Hanna, executive director of The Positivity Spectrum, the clinic provides virtual appointments where families can receive help with everything from IEP disputes to estate planning.

“We’ll be able to provide the services completely free in a virtual legal clinic environment,” Hanna said. This accessibility is especially important for families who may not have the resources to hire private attorneys or navigate legal processes on their own. The clinic is staffed by a team of law students and special education attorneys who understand the intricacies of both federal disability laws and the unique needs of individuals on the autism spectrum.

One of the clinic’s core services is helping families advocate for IEPs. These legally binding documents outline the support and services a school district must provide to students with disabilities. However, Hanna noted that many students are not receiving the accommodations they are entitled to under the law. “We’re seeing a lot of students not getting all of the services that are required to have a free and appropriate public education,” she said.

When a family suspects their child’s needs are not being met, they can submit an intake form on The Positivity Spectrum's website. The legal clinic will then review the case and, if necessary, step in to facilitate communication with the school district. “If the school district is not providing those things, then our legal clinic will step in, work with the family, talk to the school district and then call for an IEP meeting,” Hanna explained. Legal counsel will be present to articulate the student’s needs and clarify the district’s obligations under the law.

Beyond immediate educational concerns, the clinic also supports families in planning for their child’s future. One critical area is the creation of special needs trusts. These legal instruments allow individuals with disabilities to receive inheritances or hold assets without jeopardizing their eligibility for federal benefits like Medicaid. Hanna emphasized the importance of this planning, noting that adults with autism can lose access to essential services if their assets exceed $2,000.

“All of a sudden, you've gone from having services and participating in your community and being medically protected to having nothing at all and having to find those services for out-of-pocket costs,” she said. The clinic’s estate planning services aim to prevent such scenarios, helping families secure long-term stability for their loved ones.

This legal support is launching at a particularly critical moment. The article notes that the initiative arrives just as families are preparing for the first full school year following an executive order by President Donald Trump that dismantled the U.S. Department of Education. While the broader implications of that policy change are still unfolding, Hanna expressed concern that essential services could be reduced or eliminated. “We're not necessarily going to get the funding back, but we are going to ensure that children are not left behind,” she said.

I found this detail striking, as it highlights the urgency behind the clinic’s mission. In a shifting educational landscape, families need reliable support to ensure that their children’s rights are upheld. The Positivity Spectrum’s legal clinic offers a proactive solution, stepping in where systems may falter and providing clarity where confusion often reigns.

For families in the autism community, especially those in Northeast Ohio, this virtual legal clinic represents more than just legal advice. It is a safeguard against the loss of critical educational and medical services, and a pathway toward long-term planning and peace of mind. By addressing both immediate and future needs, the clinic is positioned to make a meaningful difference in the lives of many.

As the school year begins, The Positivity Spectrum encourages parents to reach out with their questions and concerns. Whether a family is unsure about their child’s IEP, needs help advocating for services, or wants to set up a special needs trust, the clinic is ready to assist. With trained legal professionals and a clear mission, this nonprofit is working to ensure that every child with autism has access to the support they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Read more at ideastream.org