Diane Wiscarson

Words can not express the gratitude that I feel for Diane. Our son's IEP was a legal mess and we were powerless to help him. In second grade our son was in danger of becoming institutionalized on behalf of the schools ignorance. It was the last thing he needed and within minutes Diane knew this. ...To say Diane fought hard simply does not give her enough credit. Diane poured her heart and soul into our son's education. Because of her tenacity, drive and passion for doing what is right our son's IEP was fixed and he was in the proper schooling. 5 years have passed and a few times we have had to call upon Diane for advice and help. It has never taken more than a quick email or phone call and honest answers are given and action, when needed is taken. Our son now has a wonderful education and I think of Diane not just as an attorney but as a true God send. The words "Thank You", in my opinion are simply to small to express the thanks we feel for her.

Though I have been an active advocate in the lives of my children, and I had been to many IEP meetings, I found myself struggling to convince the district of my son's needs. Year after year, we'd have the same issues, and year after year I'd fight to get my son qualified services. He had been diagn...osed by three separate physicians at separate times . . . .all with the same diagnosis. There was no question of my son's disability. However, it wasn't until I hired Diane that we finally made some progress. Some of the things that I truly appreciated was Diane's consistency, her honesty, and her persistence. There were many times negotiating with the district was not enough. It took Diane's expertise and experience in working with districts, schools, and parents to keep the districts and schools accountable for following through with implementing the IEP as required. She was able to locate where they were not in compliance and request they correct any deficits. Should the district be unable to honor the requests, Diane could communicate our needs to appropriate personnel to either state our intent to file a complaint or to reach settlement agreements. Diane has always maintained the utmost in professionalism and accurate guidance. She gives sound and realistic advice. She does not give false hope or give up on justifiable and valid issues. Also, she understands how difficult and challenging the process can be of making sure children are receiving the education and services they deserve. She brings assurance when things aren't going right. She listens and responds accordingly to what the family specifically needs. She is truly a strong, reliable, and knowledgeable resource for any and all special educational needs or concerns. I have appreciated her advocacy during the years I have retained her services.

Ms. Wiscarson is a fantastic resource that every parent should know about. I had some questions about the steps involved with my son's IEP. I found her to be extremely knowledgable and helpful. She helped me to be more informed about the IEP process. She gave me strength and support to feel confide...nt in the whole process.

In 1995, my children were diagnosed with autism. They were roughly 2 and a half and 3 and a half at the time. That diagnosis began the worst year of my life as I tried to learn what autism was and what to expect from my children with autism. I rapidly learned that there was no help to be had. The sc...hools and the medical community thought “Rain Man” was the only example of autism. Once I learned that neither had any idea of what to do to help my boys, it became a constant battle to get their needs met everywhere. For years, I studied education law, taught the teachers how to handle my children (and a few others) and sought a pediatrician who would admit to having no idea how to help, but at least wasn’t negative about my ideas on what should be done for them. When everyday life is added to this mix, it’s no wonder that I could see myself rapidly aging through lack of sleep and stress. I went to bed every night wondering what else I could do to make the world nicer and easier for my boys. The year my mother was dying from cancer and I made a trip from Oregon to Virginia about every five weeks, one of my sons was in a horrible situation at school and had to be removed and home schooled while the district and I found an appropriate placement. By then, my oldest boy was being told that extended school year service wasn’t needed when one entered high school, just as if he was no longer autistic. Not only did I look old to me, but my boys kept trying to smooth out each new wrinkle. It was very sad. Then I found Diane Wiscarson. I had thoughts of suing the school district as I once again learned a valuable lesson…the parent who works day and night in order to help their kids succeed in the classroom is punished by the system who feels they no longer have to help. Diane helped me to understand that the justice system would probably agree with the school district and that strengthening the IEP was the way to get appropriate services. Over time, Diane became a” virtual” face-lift for me. I no longer had to keep up with the law. She did. I no longer had to be sure to say the right thing in the right tone in order for us to all work together. She did. I actually dared to be the socialite and princess I always knew myself to be, because Diane was going to be Perry Mason (who never lost a case). I now get to work on things with my boys which I am much happier to do…social skills and life skills, and I even take a little time for me because Diane is keeping up with the law and is advocating for my children. I have even begun to delete Wright’s Law emails as I have Wiscarson Law on my side. This is a huge emotional achievement. I feel and look younger and healthier all because I know that Diane is looking out for my family. What a relief to have formed such an alliance. We've worked together for 3 years now and I can’t tell you how grateful I am to have her help and expertise. Life is good, due in no small part to having an attorney who knows what to do to protect my children and does it well. You too, can be this fortunate. All you have to do is hire Diane. I assure you that you won't regret it.

Our school district denied an IEP when it was clearly needed and warranted. I did not know where to turn for help because I thought that the school district had the last word on eligibility for an IEP and I did not know there was such a thing as an Education Attorney. I spoke to a professional who... works with kids with disabilities and mentioned my problem with the school district and she gave me Diane Wiscarson's name. What a relief! Diane gathered all the needed documentation and within days the school district agreed that an IEP was indeed the appropriate education plan! During the process of working with Diane, I discovered that she actually was more knowledgeable about the education rules and requirements than the school's IEP team including the school psychologist who initially denied eligibility for an IEP. Nobody at the school seemed to care, but when I spoke to Diane, it was obvious that she cared.