2015-2016 Settlements Update

We are working diligently to effectuate tuition reimbursement payments for our clients for the 2015-2016 school year. Unfortunately, the New York City Comptroller, who is responsible for reviewing and approving all settlements, is not adhering to the Mayor’s policy to expedite settlements between parents and the NYC Department of Education (See our June 25, 2014 blog to learn more about the Mayor's Policy: de Blasio Policy Update).

This is resulting in a widespread delay in the settlement process. Despite the persistent follow-up undertaken by our staff, the Comptroller’s Office remains non-responsive to our requests to ascertain the status of settlements. 

In the hope of putting additional pressure on the city, we encourage you - the parent - to contact the Comptroller’s Office directly to request that the Comptroller expedite the review of your child’s settlement. Once you reach the Comptroller’s Office you will most likely be told that, since you have retained counsel, it is your counsel that must make contact with the Comptroller’s Office. We know this, but we also know that squeaky wheels get oiled. As a result, we believe that if enough parents make noise, the Comptroller’s Office will have no choice but to listen.

You can reach the Office of the Comptroller at (212) 669-3916. Please provide the Comptroller’s Office with your child’s nine-digit NYC ID Number and Date of Birth.

Augmentative Alternative Communication

Cocktails and Communication with AAC Connection  

Augmentative or alternative communication (AAC) devices are an invaluable tool for many children whose ASD or other neurological impairment impacts their ability to communicate.  If you are a family member or caregiver of a child who uses an AAC device, AAC Connection is hosting a “Talking AAC Happy Hour”:

Thursday, May 12
6:30 – 8 PM
460 West 34th Street
12th Floor
New York, NY 10001

Attendees will benefit from hands-on AAC instruction from experienced professionals and users in a fun, relaxed environment.   For more information on AAC Connection and to register, visit
http://www.aacconnection.com/events.html.

 

Parenting a Child with Asperger's

Love That Boy

In the book, Love That Boy, columnist Ron Fournier shares his personal story as a parent of a child with Asperger’s Syndrome.  His figurative journey coincides with a cross country road trip with his son, Tyler.  Their father-son bonding experience further informs Fournier’s understanding – and his appreciation – of Tyler’s uniqueness.   Read more about Ron’s story here.

Autistic Student Assaulted by His Paraprofessional

Autistic Student Assaulted by His Paraprofessional

Yesterday, a local NY newspaper reported on a pending civil case against a paraprofessional who allegedly struck a then 9-year-old autistic student in the lunchroom of PS 225, which is located in the Brighton Beach section of Brooklyn.  A video showing the incident was made public yesterday in the course of civil litigation against the paraprofessional and the city.  Read more about this disturbing case here.  

Autism Awareness Month

                April is Autism Awareness Month.  Depending upon a child’s specific Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), language development and the ability to communicate will likely be impacted.  Many children with an ASD diagnosis will have difficulty using language effectively, while others may be completely non-verbal. 
                Many of these children can benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods.  In fact, children with a wide variety of communication and language deficiencies, in addition to those with an ASD diagnosis, can benefit from AAC technological applications.  In support of Autism Awareness Month, the Apple App Store is providing the following AAC app downloads at a discounted price: