Neal Student Support Advocacy & Disability, LLC

06/04/2026

Check out Pathway to Possibilities’s video.

06/04/2026

People sometimes ask why parents seek counsel in special education matters.

A recent case out of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania illustrates why parents may feel they have no choice.

In Coaxum v. Northwestern Lehigh School District (5:25-cv-00064), the court denied the school district defendants’ motion to dismiss, allowing the parents’ claims to proceed.

According to the complaint, a middle school student with anxiety and depression experienced medication side effects that made him drowsy at school. The parents alleged that instead of addressing the issue as a disability related concern, school staff publicly embarrassed him by blowing whistles near him and requiring him to run “suicides” or “gassers” when he fell asleep.

The complaint further alleged that when another parent raised concerns to a guidance counselor, the counselor appeared amused and falsely stated that the parents had approved the staff’s actions.

The student was also biracial in a district alleged to have a 1.5% minority population, which led to additional claims involving racial discrimination.

At this stage, these remain allegations, but the court concluded the claims could proceed beyond the pleading stage.

Parents are often expected to navigate these situations alone, while also trying to protect their child, preserve records, understand the law, and decide when the school’s response has crossed a legal line.

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

05/30/2026

Self help books for SSA disability and Education are available for purchase at www.Lulu.com bookstore or for download at www.payhip.com/NealSSAD Please share the post liberally.

05/29/2026

05/28/2026

THIS WILL CONTINUE TO BE MY RESPONSE TO DISTRICT ATTORNEYS THAT I REPORT ALLEGED ABUSE IN SCHOOLS TO:

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. As we remember their sacrifice, we also recommit to ensuring every child, including students with disabilities, has access to opportunity, support, and inclusion ; ; ;

05/23/2026

https://roaratthetable.com/

Empower yourself to advocate for your child in special education and IEP meetings with confidence, knowledge, and your powerful voice.

05/23/2026

Well, since you are the adult in the classroom, try imposing consequences. Educators aren't respected because they undermine their own career.