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Special Education Advocacy

Boy Wearing a Mask at Desk in Classroom
Special Education Advocacy

CDC Recommends Staff and Students Wear Masks in K-12 Schools

By Marion Walsh, Esq. While school districts will likely continue in-person learning this Fall, many school districts and private schools may mandate masks for both staff and students. As of Tuesday, July 27, 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated its Guidance for K-12 schools across the country. The CDC now recommends all…

Special Education Advocacy

New York State Rules on Aging out of Special Education

By Sandi Rosenbaum and Marion Walsh, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP It is important for parents and students to understand when the entitlement to special education ends.  The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that states must provide a free appropriate public education to all students with disabilities residing in the state between the ages…

Special Education Advocacy

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

By Marion M. Walsh, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP Littman Krooks is a long-time sponsor of NAMIWalks and has participated for the past five years, in torrential rain, in sunshine, and virtually in 2020. Our “Team LK Marion’s Marchers” will be taking part in the 2021 NAMIWalks Your Way: A United Day of Hope, on May…

Special Education Advocacy

Understanding the Differences between the IDEA and Section 504  

By Marion M. Walsh, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) protect the rights of students with disabilities in public schools. Often, parents have confusion about the two laws, as there is some overlap, and the terms and protections can…

bigstock-Happy-loving-mom-and-daughter
Special Education Advocacy

Planning for the Transition to Kindergarten for Student with Disabilities

By Sandi Rosenbaum, Educational Advocate and Marion Walsh, Esq., Partner, Littman Krooks LLP Parents of students starting kindergarten in the fall may want to keep their child in the preschool program they attend, rather than having them transition to kindergarten. This is especially true for children with disabilities, who have birthdays in November and December. …

Senior Father With Adult Son Relaxing On Sofa At Home
Special Education Advocacy

Proposed Legislation Regarding Home and Community-based Medicaid Waivers Aims to Improve Access to Services

By Arshi Pal, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers allow individuals who are otherwise eligible for Medicaid to receive supports and services in the home and community setting, instead of being served in an institution-like or more restrictive setting. HCBS waivers provide, among other things, supportive employment, integrated day…

Special Education Advocacy

Virtual or Hybrid Learning for Students with Disabilities

By Marion M. Walsh, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP As we now approach a full year of either virtual or hybrid learning, many parents and students are even more exhausted and overwhelmed than ever. As the future is still uncertain, many parents still have questions and concerns on their child’s progress and access to services. Here…

Special Education Advocacy

The White House Poet Laureate Inspires All Who Have Unique Learning Needs  

By Marion Walsh, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP In our special education advocacy department, we receive inspiration from each of our students. Many indeed use their unique learning and emotional characteristics to reach unexpected heights. Each day, we work with parents with goal of  helping  students to know their strengths and weaknesses so they can flourish…

Student with special needs with mom on computer
Special Education Advocacy

Department of Education Issues New Guidelines Addressing Early Intervention Services

The Department of Education emphasizes the importance of flexibility in meeting children’s educational needs. The Department of Education released a document addressing concerns surrounding the availability of Early Intervention Services to infants and toddlers with special needs. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), the state is required to “ensure…

Special Education Advocacy

Justice Ginsburg and the Complicated Legacy of Olmstead

By Sandi Rosenbaum, Littman Krooks LLP Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died September 18, 2020 and served on the US Supreme Court for 27 years, is best known for her contributions toward dismantling discrimination on the basis of gender, as both an attorney and a jurist.  However, it was her June 1999 majority decision in…