Register Now for “How to Survive an Impartial Hearing" on December 1st

We are less than a month away from Skyer Law's How to Survive an Impartial Hearing conference—and there is still time to register. If you are a special education parent, clinician, therapist, teacher, school administrator, or any other person who might be called to testify at a due process impartial hearing, then this free half-day conference is for you. 

At some point in a special education student’s schooling years a family may face an impartial hearing. For the parents, as well as the educators, clinicians, therapists, and the school administrators who care about that child’s educational progress (and may be called to testify), this is often stressful news—and that’s understandable. There is a lot is on the line.

On December 1st, a distinguished group of special education lawyers from the Law Offices of Regina Skyer & Associates will demystify the impartial hearing process by staging a mock hearing of a tuition reimbursement case. We will also take time to discuss some of the critical laws and procedures and answer as many audience questions as time allows.

Coffee/juice and light refreshments will be served. Registration is required as space is limited.

When: Friday, December 1st, 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Where: The Forchelli Center, Brooklyn Law School, 205 State Street, Brooklyn, NY
Questions? Email ekaiser@skyerlaw.com

No Meaningful Changes to Obligations of School Districts, Student Rights in Rescinding of 72 Guidance Documents by Trump Administration

Following Friday’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Education, first reported by Disability Scoop, that the Trump Administration is rescinding 72 federal guidance documents that they say are “outdated, unnecessary, or ineffective,” many parents were understandably alarmed. This move came without warning or engagement with stakeholders.

We want to assure you that the laws and regulations that the guidance documents relate to are still in full force and effect. There has been absolutely no change in law.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act was originally drafted in 1970 and enacted in 1975. It has been ‘reauthorized’ several times, most recently in 2004. Each time it is reauthorized, the U.S. Department of Education promulgates new regulations for implementation of the updated laws. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services then issues so-called ‘guidance documents’ to explain and clarify these changes in plain language.

A number of these guidance documents have been issued over the years, and, as the Department of Education says, many have been replaced by new versions or are no longer in full force and effect due to changes in the law over time. A full list of the rescinded guidance documents is available here.

Yesterday, the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), of which we are a member, released a statement on the rescinding of these guidance documents which expressed their disappointment in the process, saying:

“…COPAA is disappointed in the way OSERS has made this announcement because the process undertaken lacks complete transparency to the public. It is unfortunate that the list of rescissions does not include any explanation for changes made which leaves stakeholders in the dark.”

Our office continues to stay abreast of changes to federal and state laws that may impact on your family. Stay subscribed to our email list to receive these important updates.

Make Your Voice Heard on Busing Issues! Public Meeting Tomorrow in Brooklyn

Problems with busing are one of the most frustrating things that a parent of a special education student may deal with. It’s critical that we use our collective voices whenever opportunities arise to raise issues, demand accountability, and make constructive suggestions for how to make change for the better.

The Citywide Education Council for District 75 (CECD75) is an advisory committee of the Department of Education that is made up of parents of District 75 students. This fall, CECD75’s Committee on Busing is holding a series of public meetings in all five boroughs to seek public comment about past and present problems with student busing with contract carriers. This hearing is open to the parents or guardians of any NYC student who utilizes student busing services, even if they attend a private school or a general education program.

CECD75 says that the purpose of these hearings is to compile the data and narratives received and make recommendations for changes in policy, rules, and regulations to the NYC Department of Education, the Office of Pupil Transportation, and New York State.

The next public meeting is tomorrow in Brooklyn.

Date: Wednesday, October 18

Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: P368@H429K: School for Global Studies, 284 Baltic Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Written comments will also be accepted. Please address them to: Citywide Education Council for District 75, 45-18 Court Square, Suite 229, Long Island City, NY 11101. You can also email CECD75 at D75council.schols.nyc.gov and follow them on Facebook for updates on future public meetings.

IMPORTANT! Location change for “How to Survive Turning 5” workshop, October 19th

Due to a booking error by the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, the venue for our kindergarten transition workshop, co-sponsored by Music Therapy at BCM, on October 19th, 7-9pm has changed.

NEW LOCATION: Congregation Beth Elohim’s Social Hall, 274 Garfield Place (Brooklyn)

Space is limited. So please RSVP if you have not already done so.

Workshop Description:

The Kindergarten transition process is undeniably daunting for families of special needs children—and New York City’s massive bureaucracy doesn’t make it any easier.

A few years ago, our founding partner, Regina Skyer, published a handbook for parents, How to Survive Turning 5. And every year, the Law Offices of Regina Skyer & Associates, LLP hold free legal education workshops so that as many parents as possible can learn how to navigate the so-called “Turning Five” process in New York City.

This workshop is designed for parents of preschoolers and interested special education professionals. We will go over independent evaluations, school applications, public program options, IEP meetings, hearings and appeal procedures, and more. We will also answer as many individual questions from attendees as time allows.

JCC/Lifestart Special Needs School Fair: October 24th

The JCC Manhattan and NYL Lifestart’s annual Special Needs School Fair will be held on October 24th from 5:30pm-7:30pm at the JCC Manhattan’s building (334 Amsterdam Avenue at West 76th Street). This is an important event for parents whose children are approaching transitional moments into elementary school, middle school, or high school—or simply if the current school placement is no longer appropriate. Representatives from special needs private schools serving the New York City community will be there to provide information and answer your questions.

There is no cost to attend for parents. Families can register here.