Dyslexia Legal Rights! ft. Attorney Laura Heneghan (Part 1)

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Are you confused about the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP. Have you heard the term, "Free and Appropriate Public Education" and want to know what it means? Do you want to know your legal rights when interacting with your kid's school? Listen to part 1 of this interview with special education attorney Laura Heneghan to learn about all that and more!

Attorney Laura Heneghan proudly practices solely in the area of special education,
representing children and adolescents with disabilities who are not receiving appropriate services from their public school district. She began practicing in this area after experiencing this process as the parent of a child with disabilities, including a son with dyslexia. She brings this experience, her passion, and her unique collaborative abilities to her clients to change their outcomes for the better.

In addition to her law degree, Laura holds a Certificate in Special Education Advocacy from the PELE Clinic at William and Mary Law School. In order to better serve her clients with dyslexia, she has completed a 60-hour course in Orton Gillingham Plus, an evidence-based program based on the science of reading and approved by the International Dyslexia Association.

She is a Board Member of Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities. She provides Pro Bono legal services to immigrant children seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in Probate Court through Children’s Advocates of Connecticut. Laura previously served on the Board of Directors for the Western Connecticut Center for Human Rights, as a court-appointed Guardian Ad Litem for CASA of SW Connecticut, and as an Educational Surrogate appointed by the Connecticut Department of Education on abuse and neglect cases.

You can find Laura online at https://sped.esq/

Here are some links that Laura recommends:

https://www.smartkidswithld.org/
https://www.copaa.org/
https://www.wrightslaw.com/

We're Sonja and Nick — parents of a dyslexic kid and your guides on this journey. We created Dyslexia Journey because we know how isolating it can feel when your child struggles with reading and school isn't helping. Every episode brings practical strategies, expert interviews with psychologists, educators, and reading specialists, plus real stories from dyslexic adults who've thrived. Whether you're a parent navigating diagnosis, IEPs, and accommodations, or a dyslexic adult looking for community — this show is for you. Got a question or a guest idea? Reach out at parentingdyslexiajourney@gmail.com. 

Also check out our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingDyslexiaJourney