The Guam Legal Services Corporation – Disability Law Center is warning parents that hundreds of public school students with disabilities may not be receiving legally required services from the Guam Department of Education.
In a press release, GLSC-DLC said it has identified “a major concern” affecting students enrolled in special education programs, alleging GDOE is failing to provide related services such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy.
The organization, which serves as Guam’s federally designated Protection and Advocacy system, cited GDOE website data indicating at least 500 students could regress without those services. It emphasized that these therapies are critical components of a student’s Individualized Education Program, or IEP.
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, public schools are required to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education, which includes delivery of all services outlined in a student’s IEP.
GLSC-DLC is urging parents and guardians who have received a “Form 29 Parent Notice: Services Not Being Delivered” to contact the organization for assistance in protecting their child’s educational rights.
The group can be reached at (671) 477-9811 or information@guamlsc.org.