team-member

Ellen Saideman

Barrington, RI

N/A

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Employment & Labor

Language

English

About

Since 1988, I have been representing representing individuals with disabilities, first as a staff attorney for public interest organizations and now in my solo practice.  Today I devote much of my practice to special education.  I work with parents to help their children get a free appropriate public education under IDEA and to effectuate their rights under the Americans with Disabilites Act and Section 504 of the Rehabiltiation Act of 1973.  I attend IEP and  504 meetings and file administrative complaints and due process proceedings in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. I represent parents and students in disciplinary proceedings, including manifestation hearings, and Rhode Island Family Court in truancy matters.   I also assist parents with early intervention programs for younger students and help adult students with college and graduate schools.  I also assist clients with obtaining SSI and SSDI benefits,  employment, public accommodations, and other legal matters.   My goal is to help families and individuals in the most cost-effective way.  

Practices Areas

Employment and labor

Civil Rights

Education Law

Language

English

Contact

Law Office of Ellen Saideman7 Henry DrBarrington, RI, 02806-2523

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Laura
September 25, 2020

When my son was diagnosed with a rare disability, I was told I would be his best advocate. Sometimes being an advocate isn’t enough, and a legal expert is necessary, and that’s where Ellen comes in. She truly cared m about my child’s needs, and made sure I could ensure those needs were met. I highly recommend!

Scott
February 1, 2017

Ms. Saideman represented both of my high functioning Autistic sons' in their individual SSI cases. This is after, other, bigger, law firms turned us down. She worked tirelessly to help them through their cases. My wife and I were very pleased with her efforts throughout this experience. She patiently answered our questions, set expectations, and addressed our fears as well as each of the boy's. In each case I was very impressed with her competence in the courtroom as she methodically addressed the expert testimony and the judge's questions. I would definitely recommend Ms. Saideman to anybody in a similar situation as us.

Sandra
October 21, 2016

My Son and and I met Ellen Saideman due to a Plan drawn up at his high school, by his Teacher and the school Therapist. This Plan stated that due to my Autistic Sons' stress level and social anxieties, that he be limited in attending class functions such as field trips, and outings where he could be taught to interact in social situations. This Plan excluded him from such activities by denying him to go on all day activities outside of the school, by suggesting that he remain at home on said day or if it was raining or snowing, he was not to attend school on those days, as he had anxiety on those days. As we know, this drawn up an between Teacher and Therapist was unacceptable and unlawful. Attorney Saideman assured this school and it's faculty that it was indeed against the law and against Special Needs groups to have such a Plan in place. Attorney Saideman, my Son, certain members of school faculty and myself, sat down to a meeting of what was and was not acceptable and all that it entailed in this situation and all was resolved. Ellen Saideman was also instrumental in taking the time to get to know my Son by reading all school records and by including him in our meetings. We were both appreciative in the assistance and guidance that was offered us by Ellen. She is very knowledgeable, professional and sensitive to the needs of those who cannot speak for themselves. I would without hesitation, recommend Ellen Saideman in her representation of others in need of her services. Sincerely, Sandra

Marie
October 17, 2016

My son is 24 years old, has autism, m/r, non-verbal, behavior issues. Years ago when Ellen was living here in Florida, Ellen helped my family get the services my son desperately needed and deserved. At the time, my son had the Medicaid waiver, but there was no funding. So we didn't have any help, behavior, respite, etc. We were drowning!!!! Ellen got us help. We started an intense behavior program in our home, respite, speech services in our home. Ellen would attend IEPs with me and educate the staff at school and me. Because of Ellen's efforts, and others, I am proud to say my son is still living at home with us. His behaviors are so much better. He is able to be included in family outings, restaurants, movies, Disney cruise, his first airplane ride to Atlanta to visit his sister. Ellen taught me how to advocate for my son. I do that every day. Thank you Ellen.

Terry
October 14, 2016

In 2014 my daughter was denied her high school diploma,she did everything necessary to earn the diploma,my daughter has special needs. Ellen heard about my daughter and reached out to us,Ellen worked tirelessly,spending countless hours advocating for my daughter,In Oct.2014 my daughter received her diploma this would have not happened without Ellen's determination,we are so grateful to Ellen.

Laura
September 25, 2020

When my son was diagnosed with a rare disability, I was told I would be his best advocate. Sometimes being an advocate isn’t enough, and a legal expert is necessary, and that’s where Ellen comes in. She truly cared m about my child’s needs, and made sure I could ensure those needs were met. I highly recommend!

Scott
February 1, 2017

Ms. Saideman represented both of my high functioning Autistic sons' in their individual SSI cases. This is after, other, bigger, law firms turned us down. She worked tirelessly to help them through their cases. My wife and I were very pleased with her efforts throughout this experience. She patiently answered our questions, set expectations, and addressed our fears as well as each of the boy's. In each case I was very impressed with her competence in the courtroom as she methodically addressed the expert testimony and the judge's questions. I would definitely recommend Ms. Saideman to anybody in a similar situation as us.

Sandra
October 21, 2016

My Son and and I met Ellen Saideman due to a Plan drawn up at his high school, by his Teacher and the school Therapist. This Plan stated that due to my Autistic Sons' stress level and social anxieties, that he be limited in attending class functions such as field trips, and outings where he could be taught to interact in social situations. This Plan excluded him from such activities by denying him to go on all day activities outside of the school, by suggesting that he remain at home on said day or if it was raining or snowing, he was not to attend school on those days, as he had anxiety on those days. As we know, this drawn up an between Teacher and Therapist was unacceptable and unlawful. Attorney Saideman assured this school and it's faculty that it was indeed against the law and against Special Needs groups to have such a Plan in place. Attorney Saideman, my Son, certain members of school faculty and myself, sat down to a meeting of what was and was not acceptable and all that it entailed in this situation and all was resolved. Ellen Saideman was also instrumental in taking the time to get to know my Son by reading all school records and by including him in our meetings. We were both appreciative in the assistance and guidance that was offered us by Ellen. She is very knowledgeable, professional and sensitive to the needs of those who cannot speak for themselves. I would without hesitation, recommend Ellen Saideman in her representation of others in need of her services. Sincerely, Sandra

Marie
October 17, 2016

My son is 24 years old, has autism, m/r, non-verbal, behavior issues. Years ago when Ellen was living here in Florida, Ellen helped my family get the services my son desperately needed and deserved. At the time, my son had the Medicaid waiver, but there was no funding. So we didn't have any help, behavior, respite, etc. We were drowning!!!! Ellen got us help. We started an intense behavior program in our home, respite, speech services in our home. Ellen would attend IEPs with me and educate the staff at school and me. Because of Ellen's efforts, and others, I am proud to say my son is still living at home with us. His behaviors are so much better. He is able to be included in family outings, restaurants, movies, Disney cruise, his first airplane ride to Atlanta to visit his sister. Ellen taught me how to advocate for my son. I do that every day. Thank you Ellen.

Terry
October 14, 2016

In 2014 my daughter was denied her high school diploma,she did everything necessary to earn the diploma,my daughter has special needs. Ellen heard about my daughter and reached out to us,Ellen worked tirelessly,spending countless hours advocating for my daughter,In Oct.2014 my daughter received her diploma this would have not happened without Ellen's determination,we are so grateful to Ellen.

Laura
September 25, 2020

When my son was diagnosed with a rare disability, I was told I would be his best advocate. Sometimes being an advocate isn’t enough, and a legal expert is necessary, and that’s where Ellen comes in. She truly cared m about my child’s needs, and made sure I could ensure those needs were met. I highly recommend!

Scott
February 1, 2017

Ms. Saideman represented both of my high functioning Autistic sons' in their individual SSI cases. This is after, other, bigger, law firms turned us down. She worked tirelessly to help them through their cases. My wife and I were very pleased with her efforts throughout this experience. She patiently answered our questions, set expectations, and addressed our fears as well as each of the boy's. In each case I was very impressed with her competence in the courtroom as she methodically addressed the expert testimony and the judge's questions. I would definitely recommend Ms. Saideman to anybody in a similar situation as us.

Sandra
October 21, 2016

My Son and and I met Ellen Saideman due to a Plan drawn up at his high school, by his Teacher and the school Therapist. This Plan stated that due to my Autistic Sons' stress level and social anxieties, that he be limited in attending class functions such as field trips, and outings where he could be taught to interact in social situations. This Plan excluded him from such activities by denying him to go on all day activities outside of the school, by suggesting that he remain at home on said day or if it was raining or snowing, he was not to attend school on those days, as he had anxiety on those days. As we know, this drawn up an between Teacher and Therapist was unacceptable and unlawful. Attorney Saideman assured this school and it's faculty that it was indeed against the law and against Special Needs groups to have such a Plan in place. Attorney Saideman, my Son, certain members of school faculty and myself, sat down to a meeting of what was and was not acceptable and all that it entailed in this situation and all was resolved. Ellen Saideman was also instrumental in taking the time to get to know my Son by reading all school records and by including him in our meetings. We were both appreciative in the assistance and guidance that was offered us by Ellen. She is very knowledgeable, professional and sensitive to the needs of those who cannot speak for themselves. I would without hesitation, recommend Ellen Saideman in her representation of others in need of her services. Sincerely, Sandra

Marie
October 17, 2016

My son is 24 years old, has autism, m/r, non-verbal, behavior issues. Years ago when Ellen was living here in Florida, Ellen helped my family get the services my son desperately needed and deserved. At the time, my son had the Medicaid waiver, but there was no funding. So we didn't have any help, behavior, respite, etc. We were drowning!!!! Ellen got us help. We started an intense behavior program in our home, respite, speech services in our home. Ellen would attend IEPs with me and educate the staff at school and me. Because of Ellen's efforts, and others, I am proud to say my son is still living at home with us. His behaviors are so much better. He is able to be included in family outings, restaurants, movies, Disney cruise, his first airplane ride to Atlanta to visit his sister. Ellen taught me how to advocate for my son. I do that every day. Thank you Ellen.

Terry
October 14, 2016

In 2014 my daughter was denied her high school diploma,she did everything necessary to earn the diploma,my daughter has special needs. Ellen heard about my daughter and reached out to us,Ellen worked tirelessly,spending countless hours advocating for my daughter,In Oct.2014 my daughter received her diploma this would have not happened without Ellen's determination,we are so grateful to Ellen.