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Special Education Advocacy

On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”). ED distributes $15 billion to support students with disabilities, to states every year and oversees everything from early intervention for young children with disabilities to vocational rehabilitation, in addition to ensuring that the civil rights of students with disabilities are protected.
Special Education Advocacy

Questions and Answers on the Impact of U.S. Department of Education Closure for Students with Disabilities

By Marion M. Walsh On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”). ED distributes $15 billion to support students with disabilities, to states every year and oversees everything from early intervention for young children with disabilities to vocational rehabilitation, in addition to ensuring that the…

The Committee on Special Education (CSE) must convene annually to review the student’s IEP according to the student’s needs. Let’s get back to the basics to prepare for the important meeting.
Special Education Advocacy

Annual Review Season: Back to the Basics

By Arshi Pal, Esq. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is an important document that lays out the foundation for a student with a disability’s education and supports. The Committee on Special Education (CSE) must convene annually to review the student’s IEP according to the student’s needs. Annual review season is upon us. Let’s get back…

New York education advocacy
Special Education Advocacy

2024 Back to School Checklist

By Arshi Pal, Esq. The start of the new school year can be a bittersweet time for parents and students. Many will be excited for the new opportunities and lessons during the school year, whereas others may be sad to wave summer break goodbye. As children soak up the last few days of summer, parents…

Grade School Class with Laptop Technology
Special Education Advocacy

New York State Graduation Requirements, Change is on the Horizon

By Arshi Pal, Esq. While New York currently offers students with disabilities a significant amount of flexibility, including safety net options, to achieve a local diploma, there are still many inequities. For example, if a school district designates a student as eligible for alternate assessments due to severe cognitive disabilities, the student can only receive…

Here are some of the common myths that OSEP dispels in its recent Guidance on AT and the importance for all students.
Special Education Advocacy

Recent Federal Guidance Dispels Myths on Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities

by Marion M. Walsh Assistive Technology can be important for all individuals with disabilities. This January, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) released important guidance on the importance of assistive technology (AT) devices and services for students’ meaningful access and engagement in education. AT means any item, piece of equipment,…

Special Education Advocacy

New York Supreme Court Overturns NYSED Decision Granting Special Education Eligibility until 22

By Marion M. Walsh, Esq. Last month, a New York state court ruled that students with disabilities in New York are not legally entitled to extended eligibility until age 22 under state law. This decision has created confusion as it goes against a July 2023 formal opinion from the Office of Counsel of New York…

The New York State Education Department provided an opinion this summer on extending eligibility for students with disabilities until age 22.
Special Education Advocacy

NYSED Issues Opinion that Students with Disabilities Should Receive Services Until 22

By Marion M. Walsh, Esq. The New York State Education Department provided an opinion this summer on extending eligibility for students with disabilities until age 22. NYSED has finally acknowledged that a 2021 Second Circuit decision, A.R. v. Connecticut Board of Education, requires that public schools in New York provide special education and related services…

Here is some steps to take if you believe your child is facing bullying or harassment.
Special Education Advocacy

Steps to take if Your Child Faces Bullying or Harassment in School

By Marion M. Walsh As the new school year begins, parents must be vigilant to report and advocate against any bullying of their child. Student bullying and harassment can be a health risk to students and can impact their education. Bullying has increased in the past years and can have devastating and tragic consequences. For…

Filing for an impartial hearing against the NYCDOE can be overwhelming for parents.
Special Education Advocacy

The NYCDOE Ordered To Make Changes To Its Implementation Of Impartial Hearing Decisions

By: Arshi Pal, Esq. When a school district fails to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to students with disabilities, parents can file a request for an impartial hearing. Through the hearing, the parents can seek a variety of remedies, including but not limited to; tuition reimbursement, compensatory education, compensatory related services, assistive technology…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) protects the rights of students with disabilities and requires the appropriate local agencies to identify, evaluate and refer children suspected of having a disability to determine eligibility for services. The IDEA protects students up to age 21 and in some cases, older.
Guide to Being a Parent of a Special Needs Child

What Parents Need to Know about the Special Education Process: 5 to 21

By Marion M. Walsh, Esq. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) protects the rights of students with disabilities and requires the appropriate local agencies to identify, evaluate and refer children suspected of having a disability to determine eligibility for services. The IDEA protects students up to age 21 and in some cases, older. Transition to Committee…