HONOLULU (AP) — The family of an autistic student is suing over the 19-year-old’s graduation. ADVERTISING HONOLULU (AP) — The family of an autistic student is suing over the 19-year-old’s graduation. Family members argue the McKinley High School student has
HONOLULU (AP) — The family of an autistic student is suing over the 19-year-old’s graduation.
Family members argue the McKinley High School student has been forced into a graduation he is not ready for.
Lawyer Carl Varady said his clients took steps to make sure the student is best prepared to take part in adult society.
Federal law says disabled students age out of eligibility for education services at 22 years old.
The student’s mother says the family needs to advocate for him because he can’t do it himself.
“What the school is supposed to do is provide a bridge and to provide the support in place to be able to transition him from high school into post-high school activities — and McKinley High School failed to do that,” she said.
State education officials released a statement that says parents discuss progress and adjustments with school officials at least monthly, and it’s unusual for an issue to be raised just before graduation.
“Each special education student works under an Individualized Education Program developed between the school and parents,” the statement said. “Students’ growth is a collaborative effort between parents and teachers, where students learn life skills at home and lessons at school.”
