A client came to Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) seeking help after her daughter, who has a disability, was removed from her school’s aftercare program because she required additional care. FRLS is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal services to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide.

The client shared that the school failed to provide appropriate care and attention to accommodate her daughter’s needs. Instead of offering the necessary support, the school’s lack of accommodations contributed to behavioral challenges, which then resulted in disciplinary issues. Ultimately, the child was dismissed from the aftercare program, raising serious concerns about discrimination and the school’s obligations to serve students with disabilities.

FRLS referred the case through its Pro Bono Program, and a volunteer attorney was quickly assigned. The Pro Bono attorney worked to advocate on behalf of the client and her daughter, ensuring that the school addressed its failure to accommodate and complied with its responsibilities under the law.

Through this advocacy, the attorney was able to intervene and help secure the child’s return to the aftercare program. The efforts also focused on preventing further discriminatory discipline and ensuring that appropriate supports would be put in place moving forward so the child could participate safely and successfully.

For families of children with disabilities, access to school programs and services should not be limited due to a lack of accommodations. FRLS has been providing free legal services to qualified residents across Florida since 1966, with support from dedicated Pro Bono attorneys who help expand access to justice. If you or someone you know is needs free legal resources, visit FRLS.org for more information.