There is a national shortage of speech-language pathologists across the country, impacting students with disabilities who may go without the services they need. According to some experts, the shortage is due to things like low pay, intense workloads, a bottleneck in graduate school programs, and increasing demand among children and aging populations.
The shortage can severely impact students with disabilities, who may have reduced access to speech-language therapy, or no access at all, even if their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) requires it. This can cause delayed or missed therapies, thus hindering developmental milestones in communication, social skills, and academics.
Missed interventions mean slower progress in speech, language, social skills, and cognitive growth, especially for children with autism, learning disabilities, and communication disorders. With needs going unmet, children are at academic and social risk.
The bottom line is that the shortage threatens children’s potential to thrive in school and life. If you or your child’s needs are going unmet, the skilled attorneys at Kennedy Hunt P.C. may be able to help. Our firm exclusively represents the students in disability discrimination cases. The Education law cases brought by our office ensure children receive the education they are entitled to under state and federal laws. Our attorneys represent families throughout Illinois and Missouri who are accusing school districts of disability discrimination and not meeting their children’s needs as required by law.
If you or someone you know has had their rights violated, the skilled attorneys at Kennedy Hunt, P.C. may be able to help you. Fill out a questionnaire so we can understand your claim.