Regina Skyer

Founder & Managing Partner
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A group of elementary students engaged in learning in a classroom.
Regina Skyer is the Founder and Managing Partner of Skyer Law, where she helps families navigate the special education system and secure appropriate services for their children. Drawing on her earlier career in social work and special education administration, Regina brings both legal expertise and practical understanding to her advocacy. She is a frequent speaker on special education law and the author of How to Survive Turning 5, a guide for parents facing the preschool-to-kindergarten transition.

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Regina Skyer

Legislation & Policy
Legislation & Policy
May 8, 2026
Parents are not the enemy! Regina responds to Chalkbeat.
Read Regina's letter to the author in response to a May 6th Chalkbeat article.
Resources & Guides
Resources & Guides
May 5, 2026
What is OPWDD?
OPWDD offers a pathway to long-term services that extend far beyond the school years, including life skills training, community supports, vocational programs, and residential opportunities. In this post, we break down what OPWDD is and why early eligibility is essential, particularly as families approach the transition out of the school system.
Firm News
Firm News
May 5, 2026
Public Benefits & Life Planning Division
SkyerLaw is proud to announce our new division: Public Benefits and Life-Long Planning for Children with Disabilities
Firm News
Firm News
June 6, 2020
Ill Fares the Land
Taking a stand against racism.
May 31, 2020
A Residential Summer Program for Older Teens and Young Adults at Ramapo
For our clients for whom 2019-20 was their son or daughter’s graduating year, the closures in March were a particularly abrupt end to the school year—with an...
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
May 22, 2020
New Court Decision May Impact Some Future Pendency Orders
A new ruling regarding special education was handed down on Wednesday by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, which governs the application of federal law in...
IEP & CSE Meetings
IEP & CSE Meetings
April 6, 2020
An Important Update Regarding Requests for IEP Meetings and CSE Reviews
Since the early 1980s, New York State has adhered to a strict legal timeline pertaining to a parent making an initial referral for an IEP or IESP, as well as...
Firm News
Firm News
March 26, 2020
Download and Complete a NYS Health Care Proxy Form
On March 4th, SkyerLaw proudly announced that Valerie Zaloom Buccino, an attorney with over 26 years of experience in Wills, Special Needs Trusts,...
IEP & CSE Meetings
IEP & CSE Meetings
March 22, 2020
A Message from Regina Skyer
As we embark on this new experience of distance learning, I wanted to personally write to you. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. If you are ill, I am...
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
March 2, 2020
SkyerLaw now offers Estate Planning, Special Needs Trusts, Guardianship Legal Services
Many of the families we work with face unique challenges as they plan for the future. It is often said that aging out of special education services is like...
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
February 14, 2020
NYC Parent Attorneys Unite to Oppose NYS Proposal to Appoint Non-Lawyers as Hearing Officers
This is a longer update—but the issue is critical for all New York City families whose children have an IEP. The short version: As reported today by the New...
Legislation & Policy
Legislation & Policy
February 7, 2020
The “Calendar Year Rule” for Kindergarten Needs to Go
On February 4, the popular online newspaper Chalkbeat published an excellent article entitled: Your child’s birth month matters: NYC students...
Firm News
Firm News
January 21, 2020
William M. Meyer Named Partner at Skyer Law
The Law Offices of Regina Skyer & Associates, L.L.P. is proud to announce that senior attorney William M. Meyer has been named partner.
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
November 18, 2019
SkyerLaw Supports Advocates for Children in Federal Suit: 150 Cases Submitted as Evidence
The DOE Implementation Unit is not an office many people are familiar with, but our lawyers and paralegals call this office on a daily basis, trying to get...
Firm News
Firm News
April 12, 2019
Autism Advocacy Panel at Shrub Oak International School
Shrub Oak International School is hosting a panel discussion about the educational and legal rights of individuals with special needs as part of their ongoing...
Legislation & Policy
Legislation & Policy
February 22, 2019
An Opportunity to Testify on Tuition Reimbursement Delays at City Hall
The New York City Council Education Committee will be holding an oversight hearing focused on the provision of special education in New York City on Monday at...
Firm News
Firm News
February 14, 2019
Sonia Mendez-Castro Named Partner at SkyerLaw
The Law Offices of Regina Skyer & Associates is proud to announce that senior attorney Sonia Mendez-Castro has been named partner.
School Transportation
School Transportation
January 9, 2019
We Won! NYC Council Unanimously Passes GPS School Bus Tracking Bill
Today, the NYC Council passed Intro. 1099, a bill that Council Member Ben Kallos introduced at our suggestion, to allow parents to use GPS technology to track...
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
December 26, 2018
Taking on Delays in Reimbursement and Pendency Payments in 2019
We are living through unprecedented times in our dealings with the NYC Department of Education.
School Transportation
School Transportation
October 24, 2018
SkyerLaw Testifies at City Council School Bus Hearing
SkyerLaw partners Jesse Cole Cutler and Diana Gersten at the press conference before last week’s City Council...
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
October 1, 2018
SkyerLaw Victory at State Review Office Establishes Case Law Benefitting Parents
When parents show up to our offices, it is not unusual to hear that the Department of Education has failed to hold an IEP meeting for their...
Firm News
Firm News
July 30, 2018
Operation Backpack 2018
SkyerLaw team members fill children's backpacks with supplies for the new school year.
School Transportation
School Transportation
July 27, 2018
It’s Time to Demand a School Bus Tracking App
An app to allow parents and teachers to see where a school bus is would make a huge, positive difference in the day-to-day lives of children with disabilities and their families.
IEP & CSE Meetings
IEP & CSE Meetings
June 25, 2018
Touring School Placement Offers
You’ve had your IEP meeting, and now you are waiting patiently for your placement offer from the Department of Education.
Parent Rights
Parent Rights
June 20, 2018
The Administration Policy of Family Separation at the Border is Morally Abhorrent—and Violates IDEA, ADA Laws
The following statement concerning family separation at the US/Mexico border was released yesterday by the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). “...
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
April 19, 2018
What is Pendency?
Helping you to understand what pendency is and is not.
Parent Rights
Parent Rights
April 4, 2018
Speaking Out Against Gun Violence and Bias in Our Schools
In the days following the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, we were heartened to open The New York Times and...
IEP & CSE Meetings
IEP & CSE Meetings
March 15, 2018
“How Can I get ABA On My Child’s IEP?”
When your child has benefited from Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), you might wonder whether the continued use of this methodology can be...
School Transportation
School Transportation
February 26, 2018
Heads of Schools Speak Out Against Gun Violence
Today, we were thrilled to open The New York Times and see a full-page, open letter on page A7 signed by the heads of hundreds of independent schools...
IEP & CSE Meetings
IEP & CSE Meetings
February 19, 2018
It’s Becoming Harder (But Not Impossible) To Get Turning-Five Deferrals
There is no certainty when dealing with a gargantuan bureaucracy like the NYC Department of Education. Having practiced in this area for over 25 years, our...
IEP & CSE Meetings
IEP & CSE Meetings
February 14, 2018
Understanding the Importance of Classification on an IEP
Many parents ask us if the classification their child receives on their IEP really matters. As with all things in special education, the answer...
Resources & Guides
Resources & Guides
January 29, 2018
NYU’s First ASD Nest Conference Showcases its Success and Future Promise
Last week, the ASD Nest Support Project of NYU Steinhardt held its first Conference for Autism and Inclusive Education (#NestCon).
Legislation & Policy
Legislation & Policy
January 4, 2018
Kevin and Avonte’s Law Passes Senate
Every day we hear from our autism parent clients that wandering and elopement behaviors keep them up at night. And while there are many incredible schools with...
Parent Rights
Parent Rights
December 6, 2017
U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Seeks Comments on Disabled Students of Color and School Discipline
On Friday, December 8th, in Washington, DC, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will hold a public briefing...
Events & Workshops
Events & Workshops
November 2, 2017
Register Now for “How to Survive an Impartial Hearing"
SkyerLaw's How to Survive an Impartial Hearing Conference
Parent Rights
Parent Rights
October 24, 2017
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...
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
August 22, 2017
What is a 10-Day Notice -- and What Happens Next?
In tuition reimbursement cases, there is a requirement that parents provide notice to the school district at least ten business days before unilaterally...
School Transportation
School Transportation
August 15, 2017
A Charter School for Students with Language-Based Disabilities on Staten Island
About 1 in 5 students has a language-based learning disability, of which dyslexia is most prevalent. And in the borough of Staten Island, there has long been a...
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
August 8, 2017
New Class Action Lawsuit Takes on RSAs
In New York City, Related Service Authorization vouchers, or “RSAs,” are given to families when the school district is unable to provide mandated related...
IEP & CSE Meetings
IEP & CSE Meetings
August 2, 2017
NYS’ Rapidly Evolving High School Graduation Requirements for Special Education Students
New York State’s high school graduation requirements for public school students are rapidly evolving. If you are considering enrolling your child in a public...
IEP & CSE Meetings
IEP & CSE Meetings
July 25, 2017
Independent Living in White Plains: The POINT program
Every month our staff hears presentations from outside organizations so that we can keep up with the ever-changing world of special needs service provision and...
School Transportation
School Transportation
July 19, 2017
Busing Part 2: Troubleshooting
It’s nerve-racking, particularly if this is your first time dealing with the NYC Office of Pupil Transportation (commonly referred to as OPT), but busing...
Firm News
Firm News
July 11, 2017
Riding the Waves
SkyerLaw supports an incredible adaptive surf program in Rockaway Beach.
School Transportation
School Transportation
July 7, 2017
Busing Part 1: Getting Special Education Busing for Your Child
Busing is a perennial source of worry and confusion for parents at the start of each school year, even for those who have been through the process before....
Legislation & Policy
Legislation & Policy
June 27, 2017
Bill to Clarify IEP Rights of Students with Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia Passes Legislature
For many years, advocates for students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia have asked school districts to use the specific language of a student’s...
Parent Rights
Parent Rights
June 16, 2017
Graduation Season: A Time for Celebration
It’s graduation season—a time to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of special education students who work so hard to overcome so many...
IEP & CSE Meetings
IEP & CSE Meetings
June 8, 2017
Update on the DOE’s New “3-Year Agreements”
We wrote to our clients about the DOE's new 3-year settlement agreements in February after we became aware that the City might start offering them to some...
Resources & Guides
Resources & Guides
March 31, 2017
Pilot Program for New Independent Living Community (BASE) to Launch in 2018
Planning for “our kids” doesn’t stop after high school.
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
March 23, 2017
A Landmark Victory: Supreme Court Rules Unanimously For Special Education Students
The Supreme Court returned a landmark unanimous (8-0) decision in the case of Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District in favor of a special education student.
IEP & CSE Meetings
IEP & CSE Meetings
March 20, 2017
Getting Ready for Your Annual IEP Meeting
Prepare your documents in advance for your annual upcoming IEP meeting.
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
March 1, 2017
Supreme Court Win for a Girl and Her Service Dog Clarifies Families’ Right to Sue in Federal Court for Discrimination
The ACLU of Michigan published this 3-minute video about this case entitled, “Ehlena and her Wonder: The Americans with Disabilities Act. Last week, the U.S....
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
February 22, 2017
Why Parents Should Join the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
Lately, whenever we blog about an important legal or policy development, we receive emails from clients wanting to know: What can I do?
Resources & Guides
Resources & Guides
February 20, 2017
Navigating Disagreements with Early Intervention
Getting an Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) for an infant or toddler isn’t usually as contentious as the process...
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
February 10, 2017
DOE Affirms Its Commitment to Protecting the Rights of Immigrant Students
There is a lot of uncertainty right now about national immigration policy. On January 30th, the NYC Department of Education sent home a letter from Chancellor...
IEP & CSE Meetings
IEP & CSE Meetings
January 31, 2017
Testing Accommodations for SAT and Other College Board Exams Just Got Easier
As of January 1st, the vast majority of high school students who have testing accommodations on their IEP or as part of a 504 plan will automatically be...
Legislation & Policy
Legislation & Policy
January 25, 2017
City Councilmembers Tell Mayor to Honor His Commitments to Special Education Families
Our advocacy is having an impact! Last fall, we reported to you again and again and again about our efforts to make sure that outstanding tuition reimbursement...
Parent Rights
Parent Rights
January 23, 2017
Comment on New York City’s K-5 and 6-12 Draft School Discipline Plans until January 30th
Even though the use of school suspensions in New York City public schools has declined, the disparity in their use with disabled students has not.
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
January 15, 2017
Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Struggle for Equality in Schools
“ To all men of good will, this decision came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of human captivity. It came as a great beacon light of hope to...
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
January 12, 2017
Supreme Court to Decide How Much Educational Benefit a School District Must Provide in Special Ed
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Resources & Guides
Resources & Guides
January 10, 2017
High Schoolers with IEPs Denied Career and Technical Education (CTE) Opportunities
Students with disabilities have graduation rates that seriously lag behind general education students.
Resources & Guides
Resources & Guides
January 3, 2017
Life After the IEP: Transitioning to College (Part 2)
by Linda Goldman There are many considerations that come into play when deciding what to look for in a college. In Part 1 of Life After the IEP: Transitioning...
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
December 12, 2016
Conference on the Role of the Neuropsychologist in Special Education Advocacy a Huge Success
SkyerLaw and Greenberg Traurig, L.L.P. co-sponsored The Role of the Neuropsychologist in Special Education Advocacy and Litigation, a professional CLE conference held in Manhattan.
IEP & CSE Meetings
IEP & CSE Meetings
November 14, 2016
Tens of Thousands of Special Needs Kids Are (Still) Falling Through the Cracks
While there has been important progress in NYC special education (such as the Mayor’s “fast-tracking” of settlements, which has been the topic...
Resources & Guides
Resources & Guides
November 4, 2016
Understanding Initial Referrals for Special Education: 2 New Reports Provide Insight
The Department of Education recently published its Annual Report on Special Education, which includes data on initial referrals for special...
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
October 20, 2016
US Supreme Court to hear a case that can change your life!
As you can see from our recent posts, our firm has been working hard to make change in New York City...
IEP & CSE Meetings
IEP & CSE Meetings
October 18, 2016
Life After the IEP: Transitioning to College
After years of navigating the special education system, meeting with school district officials and teachers, identifying and...
Parent Rights
Parent Rights
October 14, 2016
Update on Settlements
The frustration and outrage we are all experiencing about the delays in the payment of executed stipulations has reached...
Legislation & Policy
Legislation & Policy
September 28, 2016
Guidance Transfers
DOE Policy Change: “Guidance Transfers” are Now an Option
Firm News
Firm News
September 27, 2016
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
Join us in Supporting the American Cancer Society!
Resources & Guides
Resources & Guides
September 21, 2016
Early Intervention
Although the majority of our work involves helping children who are 3 and older, we cannot tell you how often we hear heartbreaking stories of parents who did...
School Transportation
School Transportation
September 1, 2016
School Bus Transportation
If your child is eligible for bus transportation, you can now check their route on the Office of Pupil Transportation website.
Resources & Guides
Resources & Guides
August 19, 2016
Runway of Dreams
Designer Clothes for Kids with Special Needs
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
June 30, 2016
Transgender Student Guidelines
Applying Special Ed Law to Transgender Student Discrimination
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
June 29, 2016
SCOTUS and Special Education
Court Asked to Define Educational Benefit Standard
Firm News
Firm News
June 23, 2016
SkyerLaw Senior Partner and Mayor de Blasio Discuss Reimbursement Delays
As part of our continued commitment to advocate aggressively on behalf of our clients, this week senior partner,...
IEP & CSE Meetings
IEP & CSE Meetings
June 10, 2016
Congratulations Graduates
Bay Ridge Preparatory Class of 2016 High school graduates from the Bay Ridge Preparatory School in Brooklyn, are excited to take the next step in their...
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
June 3, 2016
Notice of Potential Disclosure
On June 1, 2016, the New York City Department of Education (“DOE”) began to notify parents of the potential for disclosure of the educational records of their...
Parent Rights
Parent Rights
May 18, 2016
Pursuing Health Insurance Reimbursements for Your Child’s Therapies
Advice from an Insurance Law Expert
Resources & Guides
Resources & Guides
April 15, 2016
Parenting a Child with Asperger's
In the book Love That Boy, columnist Ron Fournier shares his personal story as a parent of a child with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Resources & Guides
Resources & Guides
October 20, 2015
Stanford Researchers Treat Autism with Google Glass
The Autism Glass Project at the Stanford School Of Medicine is using Google Glass to treat autism. You can read more here.
Firm News
Firm News
October 15, 2015
Join Us in Our Fight Against Breast Cancer
SkyerLaw participates in the American Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Walk.
Firm News
Firm News
July 16, 2015
Operation Backpack
SkyerLaw is pleased to support the Volunteers of America and Operation Backpack this year.
Resources & Guides
Resources & Guides
April 8, 2015
AT&T's App Challenge
AT&T is challenging app developers to create technology that is specifically aimed at aiding those with disabilities. Read more here.
Resources & Guides
Resources & Guides
November 11, 2014
Dyslexia Typeface
Hi All, We wanted to share this interesting article about a typeface created by Dutch designer Christian Boer that was created specifically for readers with...
Special Education Law
Special Education Law
October 13, 2014
Join Us in Our Fight Against Breast Cancer
Hi Everyone,   Join the Skyer Law team this Sunday, October 19th in Central Park as we participate in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against...
School Transportation
School Transportation
August 11, 2014
Busing Blog: Part 4 of 4
How to find your bus route and what to expect.
School Transportation
School Transportation
August 5, 2014
Busing Blog: Part 3 of 4
Transportation for children with an IEP that does not recommend full-time special education.
School Transportation
School Transportation
August 1, 2014
Busing Blog: Part 2 of 4
Once your child has a New York City ID number, the question becomes how to...
School Transportation
School Transportation
July 28, 2014
Busing Blog: Part 1 of 4
Busing tends to be a source of worry and concern for many parents at the start of the school year.
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Law Offices of Regina Skyer & Associates L.L.P.
142 Joralemon Street, Suite 1120
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(212) 532-9736
The purpose of this website is to provide information about our qualifications and experience as well as to educate and inform the public about the area of special education law and the rights afforded to children with special needs. The information provided on this site does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.  Pursuant to the amendments to the New York Rules of Professional Conduct governing attorney advertising in New York, this website may constitute attorney advertising.  Viewers of this website are advised that: any prior results described on this website do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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