Evelyn Howard-Hand

LAPS News:

Los Alamos Public Schools invites parents and guardians of children with special needs to an informational presentation 5-7 p.m. Monday, April 8 in Building 2 at UNM-LA.

As the parent or guardian of a child with special needs, the special education process can be confusing and even overwhelming at times. The goal of this community meeting is to provide parents with information to support their participation as effective partners in the IEP (Individual Education Plan) process.

The presentation will cover:

• an overview of special education services;
• how special education can support your child; and
• the part you play in the special education process.

At the community meeting, parents also will have an opportunity to provide input on the funding priorities to be included in the 2019-2020 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B) Application which provides supplementary funding for special education programs provided to approximately 700 LAPS students in preschool through grade 12.

The presenter, Evelyn Howard-Hand, is a lawyer and a former teacher of students with special needs. She has taught students with auditory impairments, visual impairments and multiple disabilities. After teaching, Howard-Hand obtained her law degree and began representing students with special needs under the Education for Handicapped Children Act (the predecessor to the Individuals with Disabilities Act).

Howard-Hand has two children, including one with a disability, and has served on the school board and the PTA in her children’s school district. For the last 18 years, Howard-Hand has worked for Walsh Gallegos representing school districts and providing training and legal guidance to help schools implement Response to Intervention, Section 504 and the IDEA. Walsh Gallegos’ motto is, “We help the people who help the kids.”

Parents are encouraged to attend the presedntation and bring questions and ideas.