In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, families across the country are suffering unimaginable hardships. However, nowhere has been hit as hard by COVID-19 as New York City. Whether it be illness, job loss, lack of childcare or loss of a loved one, all New Yorkers have been affected by the virus in one way…

By Littman Krooks LLP The  United States Department of Education has confirmed that students with disabilities remain entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) during the COVID-19 national emergency. The New York State Education Department  has similarly confirmed that students with disabilities are entitled to FAPE and has issued update guidance. NYSED has confirmed…

Students with disabilities are receiving a drastically reduced number of service hours. When they do receive services, it is questionable whether those service hours are being rendered with fidelity through the distance-learning platform. While we have been guided by the Department of Education to be flexible and understanding, and creatively collaborate with schools and educators,…

By Littman Krooks LLP The COVID-19 virus is taking a disproportionate toll on our most vulnerable population. The New York Times, in a recent article,  reported that, as of Monday, April 7,  1,100 of the 140,000 people with developmental disabilities had tested positive for the virus;  105 people had died.  This rate is much higher…

By Arshi Pal, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP On April 6, 2020 Governor Andrew Cuomo extended the ‘New York on Pause’ order, keeping New York State schools closed through April 29th. Simultaneously, the New York State Board of Regents adopted emergency regulations to address continued school closures. The amendments address various topics such as Requirements for…

By Littman Krooks LLP We are living through unprecedented times. Schools have closed – a jolt to our systems. Students, educators and parents alike are trying to chart their course in our newfound world of online or remote learning.  A host of new concerns and considerations in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) confront both…

By Littman Krooks LLP In our new reality where school doors are physically closed, we are embarking on distance learning for ourselves, and for our children, from home. These are indeed unprecedented times.  School officials and educators must tackle a slew of new challenges and considerations in the shadow of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). How schools…

By Littman Krooks LLP On March 22, 2020, the Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education sent a letter to all parents to notify all that the NYCDOE has instituted  remote learning to the 1.1 million students in NYC.  The letter contains important contact information and a plan of how the NYCDOE plans…

By Littman Krooks LLP As we all navigate the uncharted waters of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we stand with all parents and students and hope all clients and families remain healthy and safe. At Littman Krooks, we emphasize that our offices are open remotely and we can handle consultations via phone, Face Time or other…

As part of Congress’ response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) has proposed to include a provision in the pending stimulus bill that would give the Secretary of Education authority to approve state waiver requests for any statutory and/or regulatory requirement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for 1 year and…