The ED Rights Unplugged’s Podcast

EDRightsUnplugged

Ed Rights Unplugged, formerly known as Legally Blind Justice, is a K Altman Law podcast dedicated to cutting through the noise of education law and placing student rights at the forefront. Designed for parents, educators, advocates, and professionals, this podcast delivers clear, candid discussions on the legal issues shaping today’s schools and institutions of higher education. Hosted by experienced education attorneys, Ed Rights Unplugged examines critical topics including special education rights, school discipline, disability accommodations, Title IX, due process protections, and emerging legal trends affecting K–12 and higher education. Each episode breaks down complex legal concepts into practical, actionable insights—without jargon, without pretense, and without filters. Whether you are navigating a school-related dispute, supporting a student, or seeking a deeper understanding of the education law landscape, Ed Rights Unplugged equips listeners with the knowledge necessary to advocate effectively and protect educational rights. Safeguarding rights. Shaping futures.

  1. Jul 17

    Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 13 | Suspensions & No Contact Orders Explained

    A routine school day can change in an instant. One phone call or email can leave families facing an emergency removal, suspension, or no contact order with little explanation and even less time to respond. This episode explains what these actions mean, when schools can use them, and what parents and students should know during the first critical hours. Dr. Amanda Stewart is joined by education law attorney Monica Garcia to break down the differences between emergency removals, interim suspensions, and no contact orders in both K-12 schools and colleges. They explain the legal standards schools are expected to follow, including individualized risk assessments, documentation, and procedural fairness. The conversation also explores common mistakes families make when responding to sudden disciplinary actions. You'll learn what questions to ask, what records to request, how to recognize potential due process concerns, and how to protect your child's education, housing, and wellbeing while a case moves forward. Whether your family is facing a school discipline issue today or you simply want to be prepared, this episode provides a practical framework for responding with confidence instead of panic. 🎧 Subscribe for future episodes of Ed Rights Unplugged, where we explain education rights, discipline, and advocacy in plain English.

  2. Jul 3

    Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 12 | The Importance of Early Intervention in Special Education

    Many developmental delays become noticeable long before a child starts school, but many families are told to "wait and see." In this episode of Ed Rights Unplugged, Sarah Lhotak and Francesca Korbas explain why early intervention matters and how taking action during the first few years of life can support a child's communication, learning, social development, and long-term success. This episode explains what early intervention is, who may qualify, and why services are not limited to children with significant disabilities. Sarah and Francesca discuss the early developmental milestones parents should watch for, including eye contact, gestures, babbling, and early communication. They also explain how brain development during the first three years creates a unique opportunity for children to build essential skills. The conversation also walks through the referral and evaluation process, clears up common misconceptions about early intervention, and explains how family-centered, play-based services support both children and caregivers. Sarah and Francesca share practical guidance for transitioning from early intervention into preschool services and preparing families to advocate confidently as their child's educational journey continues. Whether you are concerned about your own child, support young children professionally, or simply want to better understand early childhood development, this episode provides practical guidance for recognizing concerns early and navigating available supports with confidence. Sarah Lhotak, a former Child Development Specialist and advocate at K Altman Law, joins Francesca Korbas to discuss the realities of early intervention, developmental milestones, and the advocacy strategies that help families access support as early as possible. Together, they provide practical insights for parents navigating the early years of their child's development. 🎧 Subscribe for future episodes of Ed Rights Unplugged, where we explain education rights, discipline, and advocacy in plain English.

  3. Jun 19

    Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 11 | Disciplinary Hearings Explained

    Disciplinary meetings and hearings can feel overwhelming for students and families, especially when the stakes involve suspension, expulsion, Title IX allegations, or college conduct violations. In this episode of Ed Rights Unplugged, we explain how preparation can reduce uncertainty and help students approach these situations with confidence. This episode breaks down the different types of disciplinary meetings, including investigatory meetings, informal resolutions, and formal hearings. It explains why understanding the purpose of a meeting matters and outlines the key questions families should ask before participating in any disciplinary process. The conversation explores practical preparation strategies, including reviewing school policies, gathering facts, identifying available accommodations, and setting realistic goals. It also discusses common mistakes families make when they misunderstand the process or fail to prepare for difficult questions. Listeners learn how to communicate effectively during meetings, document important information, understand potential outcomes, and evaluate next steps after a decision is made. The episode also highlights the importance of knowing appeal rights and ensuring expectations are clearly documented. Whether you are a parent, student, educator, or advocate, this episode provides a practical framework for navigating school discipline processes with greater clarity and confidence. 🎧 Subscribe for future episodes of Ed Rights Unplugged, where we explain education rights, discipline, and advocacy in plain English.

  4. Jun 5

    Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 10 | Military Moves & Special Education

    Military families often face unique challenges when a child with an IEP or 504 Plan changes schools due to relocation. Frequent moves can disrupt services, delay documentation, and create uncertainty about whether existing supports will continue. In this episode of Ed Rights Unplugged, we explain how families can protect educational continuity during military transitions. This episode explores the special education challenges that commonly arise when moving between school districts. We discuss how schools implement comparable services, why documentation matters, and what parents should understand about their rights under federal special education laws. The conversation also covers practical advocacy strategies that help families prepare before a move. We explain how to organize records, communicate effectively with new schools, and build productive relationships with educators and support teams. We also discuss the emotional impact these transitions can have on both parents and students. Whether you are preparing for a PCS move, enrolling in a new school district, or helping a military-connected student navigate special education services, this episode provides a clear framework for maintaining support and reducing disruptions during transitions. 🎧 Subscribe for future episodes of Ed Rights Unplugged, where we explain education rights, discipline, and advocacy in plain English.

  5. May 22

    Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 9 | Hazing, Education, and Student Defense

    Most fraternity and sorority culture is evolving, but dangerous traditions still persist. In this episode of Ed Rights Unplugged, Dr. Michael Ayalon, CEO of Greek University, explains how risky behavior develops gradually inside student organizations—and why early warning signs often go unnoticed until a serious incident occurs.   The conversation breaks down how campus culture shifts over time through the normalization of excessive drinking, hazing, and unsafe group dynamics. Dr. Ayalon explains the indicators that suggest a chapter may be moving into high-risk territory, including behavioral changes, concerning social media activity, and low pledge-to-initiation ratios. He also discusses the role of prevention programs, staff training, and accountability systems in reducing risk before tragedy happens.   This episode also explores emergency response expectations, documentation practices, and the importance of transparency when incidents occur. The discussion covers legal protections such as the Stop Campus Hazing Act and explains how student leaders, families, and universities can create safer environments through proactive intervention and responsible decision-making.   Whether you are a student leader, parent, educator, or campus administrator, this episode provides practical guidance for recognizing risk early and protecting student safety in college organizations.   🎧 Subscribe for future episodes of Ed Rights Unplugged, where we explain education rights, discipline, and advocacy in plain English.

  6. May 8 ·  Video

    Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 8 | Advocating for Students With Medical Needs

    Many families and educators overlook how medical needs affect a student’s ability to access education. Symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, chronic pain, mobility limitations, and medication side effects often go unrecognized in school settings—even when they significantly impact learning, attendance, and participation. In this episode of Ed Rights Unplugged, we explain how medical diagnoses connect directly to educational support and why that connection matters. Francesca Korbas, Melanie Roy, and Krystal Ashe discuss how schools frequently separate medical concerns from educational needs, and how advocates can reframe that conversation. The episode breaks down how to identify educational impact, gather meaningful documentation, and connect medical evidence to supports through IEPs, 504 Plans, and individualized accommodations. The conversation also explores common barriers families face, including assumptions that students are “doing too well” to qualify for help. The episode highlights practical strategies for documenting invisible symptoms, addressing attendance concerns, managing trauma related to medical experiences, and building stronger communication with school teams. This episode is designed for parents, educators, and advocates supporting students with chronic illnesses, fluctuating health conditions, or invisible disabilities. It provides practical guidance for turning medical understanding into meaningful educational access. 🎧 Subscribe for future episodes of Ed Rights Unplugged, where we explain education rights, discipline, and advocacy in plain English.

  7. Apr 24 ·  Video

    Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 7 | Title IX & Sexual Misconduct: What Happens After the Email

    Most students and families are completely unprepared for the moment a Title IX or sexual misconduct notice arrives. The process can feel overwhelming, confusing, and high-stakes—but understanding how it works can make all the difference. In this episode of Ed Rights Unplugged, we break down what actually happens after that first email and how to respond with clarity and control.   This episode walks listeners through the structure of Title IX cases, including the roles of complainants, respondents, investigators, and hearing panels. It explains the critical differences between Title IX and broader campus misconduct policies—and why those distinctions directly impact student rights and outcomes.   The conversation also explores what a real investigation looks like, from initial notice to evidence review and hearings. It highlights the importance of early decisions, the role of supportive measures like no-contact orders and housing adjustments, and how missteps can affect both immediate and long-term consequences.   The episode also covers how to prepare for hearings, what to expect during questioning, and why having experienced guidance matters. It outlines practical first steps families should take, including preserving evidence and understanding available support options.   Whether you are facing a Title IX matter now or want to be prepared, this episode provides a clear, practical framework for navigating one of the most complex processes in higher education.   🎧 Subscribe for future episodes of Ed Rights Unplugged, where we explain education rights, discipline, and advocacy in plain English.

  8. Apr 13 ·  Video

    Ed Rights Unplugged – Ep 6 | Don’t Let Summer Slip: Getting Ahead of the Summer Slump

    Visit: https://www.kaltmanlaw.com/special-education-services/summer-iep-service Summer can be a time to relax—but for students with IEPs, it can also be a period of significant skill loss if the right supports are not in place. In this special episode of Ed Rights Unplugged, we break down what regression really means, why it happens, and how families can take proactive steps to protect their child’s progress during school breaks. This episode walks listeners through the concepts of regression and recoupment, explaining how gaps in instruction can lead to lost academic, social, and executive functioning skills—and why delayed recovery can have long-term consequences. It highlights why summer is a critical period for students who rely on consistent support to maintain progress. The episode also covers five practical strategies families can implement right away, including planning for Extended School Year (ESY) services, building simple daily learning routines, leveraging community-based programs, maintaining communication with educators, and tracking progress over time. It emphasizes the importance of early planning and informed advocacy to ensure supports are in place before regression occurs. Whether your child is already receiving special education services or you are preparing for the upcoming school year, this episode provides a clear, actionable framework to help prevent regression and support continued growth. 🎧 Subscribe for future episodes of Ed Rights Unplugged, where we explain education rights, discipline, and advocacy in plain English.

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About

Ed Rights Unplugged, formerly known as Legally Blind Justice, is a K Altman Law podcast dedicated to cutting through the noise of education law and placing student rights at the forefront. Designed for parents, educators, advocates, and professionals, this podcast delivers clear, candid discussions on the legal issues shaping today’s schools and institutions of higher education. Hosted by experienced education attorneys, Ed Rights Unplugged examines critical topics including special education rights, school discipline, disability accommodations, Title IX, due process protections, and emerging legal trends affecting K–12 and higher education. Each episode breaks down complex legal concepts into practical, actionable insights—without jargon, without pretense, and without filters. Whether you are navigating a school-related dispute, supporting a student, or seeking a deeper understanding of the education law landscape, Ed Rights Unplugged equips listeners with the knowledge necessary to advocate effectively and protect educational rights. Safeguarding rights. Shaping futures.

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