Parents of disabled children often need help negotiating the legal complexities of the special education system.  To ensure that disabled children receive the best possible opportunities to learn and grow, NYLAG’s Child Advocacy Project offers consultation and representation to low income families on a variety of educational issues.

NYLAG attorneys provide services to families throughout the metropolitan area.  To ensure appropriate, quality service, NYLAG carefully screens all calls from potential clients.  Cases identified as appropriate for the Child Advocacy Project are referred to a special education attorney who provides individual case consultation, counseling and/or direct representation.  The attorney represents disabled children at all stages of the special education process, including the initial meeting with the Committee on Special Education, representation at Impartial Hearings and the State Review Office, and appeals to state or federal court.

Issues addressed:

• Adequacy of child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• Appropriateness of child’s school placement
• Need for after school tutoring or other services
• Securing individual paraprofessionals for overactive students
• Special tutors for dyslexic students
• Extensions of services to cover a 12-month school year
• Placement in private schools where necessary
• Special needs for autistic children

Resources
Special Education Project Profile
Frequently Asked Questions