Each month, we feature a different business serving families in our community who have children with learning or developmental differences. We tell their story to showcase some of the wonderful people who are our neighbors – and the services they provide.

If you have a neurodiverse child, you know that the road to help in school isn’t an easy one, and it often starts with the IEP process. An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a legal document that is developed for each public-school child in the U.S. who needs special education. It is created through a team of the child’s parent and district personnel who are knowledgeable about the child’s needs, and the goal is to develop a plan so that the student who is attending elementary or secondary school receives specialized instruction and related services.

But it can be a daunting process. So there are individuals and organizations who will jump in and not only lend a hand, but advocate for you and your child to ensure their academic needs are met.

One such firm is Vanaman German LLP. The Sherman Oaks-based law firm was founded in 1982, according to David German, co-managing partner, with a mission of fighting for the educational rights of students with disabilities and their families.

“Over the years, we have built on our expertise in handling special education cases under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to develop experience in Regional Center representation, Disability Discrimination and Civil Rights, and the representation of students who have been injured or abused at school,” German says. “Our core focus has always been helping families obtain the benefits of a free public education which effectively addresses all of their child’s disability-related learning challenges.”

The nine attorneys at Vanaman German LLP spend much of their time in the area of special-education due process, and German estimated they have helped “many thousands” of families over the years. The team, which includes paralegals and support staff, is actively involved in a variety of forums as they seek to improve the services children and adults with disabilities receive.

“Helping people fight for the rights of their children is the best job imaginable,” German adds. “Every time a family trusts us to advocate for their child is an honor. We’re grateful for that every day.”

If you or your family need help in the area of special education, the team at Vanaman German is standing by. Fill out the request for consultation page on vanamangerman.com and you’ll be contacted by an intake coordinator to arrange a consultation, or call 818-990-7722. Note that the form, and the entire website, can be translated into Spanish by clicking on the English or Spanish button in the nav bar.