Appealing Denials of Insurance Coverage for Medical Treatment Your child’s health insurance carrier has denied coverage for a certain medical procedure or treatment. What’s your next step?
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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...
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...
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...
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.
MoreThree Steps to Better IEP Goals
Clear and measurable goals are the key to a successful IEP. Here are three steps to assure better goals in your child’s IEP. 1. Understand Your Child’s Current Functioning
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...
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...
MoreTypes of Special Needs Trust Funds
The whole purpose of a special needs trust fund, which can also be referred to as a supplemental needs trust, is to provide financial support for a disabled person without disqualifying them from receiving government assistance. Trust funds...
MoreUsing RtI Data to Get Ready for IEP Season
Now that the holidays are done and even though it is not yet Spring, the time is now to get ready for what is commonly known as “IEP season.” While the thought of the next annual review or domains meeting to decide on a round of...
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.
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...
MoreSuitable Housing Options for Your Special Needs
Suitable housing is one of the most important factors for independent living for persons with special needs. It can also be one of the most expensive, both in terms of capital investment and annual costs. Use a business approach to...
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...
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...
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...
MoreWhat is a Special Needs Trust Fund?
Many families of children with special needs make the common mistake of not setting up a trust fund. The families think that there is no need to since they are still healthy and young, or they think it may be a waste since they do not have...
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...
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.
MoreAppointing a Trustee for Your Trust Fund
Appointing a Trustee for Your Special Needs Trust Fund
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...
MoreWhy Do You Need a Special Needs Attorney?
As a parent, there are going to be many times when you have to fight for your child’s education. This fight is even more prevalent if you are a parent of a special needs child or a child with a learning disability. Many times you will...
MoreProtecting Assets for Child with a Disability
Estate planning and lifetime planning for parents with a child with a disability present special challenges. The goals of the parents are to utilize their assets in such away to enrich their child’s life while, at the same time, preserving the...
MoreSetting Up a Special Needs Trust Fund
Life is unpredictable, especially if you are a parent of a child with special needs. The one thing that should not be unpredictable is what would happen to your child if anything were to happen to you. Making the proper plans now by...
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