The Cost of a Child
Creating a Legal Plan for Your Child’s Future
There is no “one size fits all” approach that parents of a child diagnosed within the “autism spectrum” should take as the child approaches their 18th birthday. The abilities and the needs of each child are unique and should be evaluated to...
MoreNavigating Types of Special Needs Trusts
Special needs trusts generally fall into one of two categories, and the treatment and effect of any given trust varies depending on which kind of trust is involved. This has led to a tremendous amount of confusion and, in some cases, a...
MoreAdopting a Child with Special Needs
Whether single or married, raising biological children or other adopted children, potential adoptive families are guided by their desire to make a difference in a child’s life, which is a wonderful starting point. Successfully parenting a child...
MoreNYC Department of Education Planning Changes to Special Ed
New York City is behind only Washington, D.C. for the worst record in the United States regarding integrating special needs students in mainstream classrooms. The city plans to align NYC with other school districts by including more special...
MoreSelf-Funded Special Needs Trusts
What is a Self-Funded Special Needs Trust? A trust is a legal document that provides for the control and distribution of assets held by a “trustee” for the benefit of another (the “beneficiary”). The assets in a trust...
MoreA Special Needs Planning Timeline: 9 Steps to a Sound Family Plan
Planning for the future well-being of your children is a daunting task for any parent. Add the complexity of adequately providing for the future care of a son or daughter with special needs and the process becomes exponentially more...
MoreSSI Benefits for Children with Disabilities
The Social Security Administration, or SSA, offers some benefits for children with disabilities. SSI, or Social Security Income, is typically paid to adults who are 65 and older and who meet low income and limited resources requirements...
MoreFirst Five Steps in Special Needs Planning
What is special needs planning? The focus of special needs planning is to protect and secure the future of our loved ones with disabilities.
MoreHow a Special Needs Attorney Can Help You
When it comes to hiring a special needs attorney, there are many things to consider. A special education attorney can be a lifesaver when it comes to complex cases or special education cases that require a lot of time and energy.
MoreGovernor Cuomo: Protecting the Disabled
News reports of abuse against individuals with disabilities have been exploding across the news. Stories of children being left on the bus, subjected to electroshock therapy, and even parents sending kids to school with a wire because of...
MoreThe Future of Special Needs Care
While the special needs population continues to grow, government funding is decreasing. In late March 2012, the CDC announced that 1 in 88 children have autism, and a research study estimated the annual cost of autism in the United States...
MoreLegislature to Limit Patient Costs for Therapy
Legislation is pending in Pennsylvania, Missouri, and New York for limiting the amount insurers can charge patients for physical, speech, and occupational therapy. South Dakota and Kentucky lawmakers have already passed laws regarding these...
MoreLearning Disabilties and the Juvenile Justice System: Some Food for Thought
Imagine what it must be like for a young person with learning disabilities to be apprehended and questioned by the police.
MoreSupport for the Transition to Adulthood
For young adults with special needs, the transition from high school to adult life brings a new set of opportunities and challenges. Your child must have a transition plan by age 16. Beginning to plan early will increase his opportunity to...
MoreWhy and When to Choose a Non-Public School
The “Three R’s” are a well-worn cliché of education, and often the traditional neighborhood school will meet your child’s needs. But if you think your special needs child needs more help than their district school is providing, or the district is...
MoreTransition Plans Matter
Transition plans are a vital part of an IEP document for any student over the age of sixteen. In California, the state law requires that no later than age sixteen, a student’s IEP must include appropriate, measurable post-secondary goals and...
MoreThe Importance of Independent Educational Evaluations
Evaluations, also called “assessments” in some states, provide valuable information regarding the nature and extent of your child’s disability as well as the impact the condition may have on his or her education. Strengths and...
MoreSpecial Education Advocacy and Charter Schools
Operating pursuant to a charter granted either by a local educational or the State Board of Education, charter schools are primary or secondary schools created by interested agencies and individuals and receive public money for the students who...
MoreSpecial Education Advocates
When a parent of a special needs child becomes increasingly frustrated, experiencing roadblocks in their efforts to intercede with their child’s school to access educational supports and services for their child, a consultation with a special...
MoreThe Individual Education Plan
Federal and state law mandate a free appropriate public education tailored to the unique needs of the student. Many parents have come to know this free appropriate public education as the painfully traumatic Individual Educational Plan, or IEP...
MoreThe Individual Education Plan
Federal and state law mandate a free appropriate public education tailored to the unique needs of the student. Many parents have come to know this free appropriate public education as the painfully traumatic Individual Educational Plan, or IEP...
MoreTransition Plans Matter
Transition plans are a vital part of an IEP document for any student over the age of sixteen. In California, the state law requires that no later than age sixteen, a student’s IEP must include appropriate, measurable post-secondary goals and...
MoreIEP or 504 Plan: Which is Right For Your Child?
When a student qualifies for special education, the school district is required to develop an individual education program or “IEP” for the student. The IEP must include the basis for special education eligibility, measurable goals and...
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