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Special Education Advocacy

Special Education Advocacy

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

By 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 22, 2021 for NAMI…

Special Education Advocacy

Understanding the Differences between the IDEA and Section 504  

By 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 be confusing. Here are…

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

Planning for the Transition to Kindergarten for Student with Disabilities

By Sandi Rosenbaum, Educational Advocate 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.  It makes sense that a student with a…

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 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 are some common questions…

Special Education Advocacy

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

By 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 and learn to…

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…

Special Education Advocacy

Department of Education Says Transition Services Must Continue During Pandemic

Government officials remind schools and vocational rehabilitation centers of their duty to help students with disabilities transition into adulthood. The realities of the COVID-19 pandemic are still setting in for some families who have teenage children with disabilities. While the transition from childhood to adulthood can be difficult for many youths, those living with a…

Mother with Special Needs Child Playing in Child's Room
Special Education Advocacy

Home Schooling Your Child: Your Rights and Obligations

By Littman Krooks LLP Every parent in New York State has the right to home school their child and, given the myriad uncertainties presented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, districts are formally offering this opportunity to parents of registered students as an alternative to remote or hybrid instruction. The prospect of shielding their children…