At the beginning of every school year, most parents are focused on buying their children clothes, backpacks and school supplies. But for the parent of a child with diabetes, there is much more to be done to safeguard their health and well-being. Communication Speak to...
Year: 2021
How a child qualifies for special education services in New York
Special education and the services provided by the state of New York through its public schools are reserved for children with disabilities that impact their abilities to learn. Qualifying for special education is a process that may not be clear to all parents. This...
Bill to allow special education students make up lost time
Parents of children who use special education services understand how valuable this education is for their New York student. Special education services are a right for children through high school, but the pandemic hit special education students especially hard. A...
Tuition reimbursement for families of children with disabilities
Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children with disabilities have the right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). FAPE requires schools to create an individualized educational program to meet the...
Special education FAQ
The parents of special needs children know that their children deserve specified and necessary services, but that is not always so easy to find. In our state and throughout the U.S. though, federal law actually mandates that public schools to offer appropriate...
What if public school cannot meet a child’s special needs?
Every child in New York is unique and every child learns in different ways. While many children are able to learn in schools just fine, but some children need extra services or help in order to succeed in school. This could be accommodations to help with a physical...
What are appropriate educational services?
Educating children is important work that has ramifications for the future. In New York and across the country, children are entitled to be educated in the public school system. When a child has special educational needs, their local school district must provide them...
Understating disciplinary protections provided by the IDEA
Students with disabilities are still required to follow rules of the school. Therefore, if they break a rule, they may be subject to disciplinary action. However, students with disabilities are also afforded special protection as provided by the Individuals with...
Audit finds many New York schools have safety issues
As children in New York head back to in-person schooling, parents may primarily be concerned that their children might fall ill. However, one thing they may not give much thought to is the safety of the state’s school buildings. And, according to a recent state audit,...
New York State addresses outstanding special education issues
In New York, it is common for there to be issues related to special education. When parents do not think their children are getting the education they need, it is important that they be proactive and speak up. If, however, there are too many outstanding complaints for...