By Marion M. Walsh, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP This week marks 30 years since the passage of the ADA. The ADA means much more than building ramps and construction compliance.  The law protects the rights not only of those who are born with a disability, but of those who develop a disability, whether a mental…

By Amy E. Halpert, Esq. and Marion Walsh, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP Guidance, plans and recommendations for reopening schools in the fall seems to change daily and every decision is fraught with pitfalls. As of today’s date, formal guidance from the New York State Department of Education (NYSED) for fall reopening is due out this…

By Sandi Rosenbaum, Special Education Advocate, Littman Krooks LLP Will everyone be free on Independence Day? As COVID-19 cases have dropped and New York has opened up, region by region, people with developmental disabilities have been left out. The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) has not updated its March 24…

By Sandi Rosenbaum, Littman Krooks LLP People with disabilities, particularly mental or developmental disabilities, are often injured and sometimes killed in the course of their interactions with police.  A number of police forces, particularly in Westchester County, have begun to train new recruits in awareness of these disabilities; that the presentation of individuals with these…

By Marion M. Walsh, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP Finally, after months of parental advocacy, Governor Cuomo, on Friday, June 5, 2020, signed a new Executive Order, No. 202.37.  The Order states that school districts may provide required in-person special education services during the summer term. It is essential to act now to advocate for your…

Dear Client and Friends, We are pleased to announce that we are open for in-person business beginning on Tuesday, June 9th, 2020. At Littman Krooks, the health and safety of our clients and staff is our highest priority. We pride ourselves on exemplary and individualized services to our clients. We understand the paramount importance of these tasks,…

By Marion M. Walsh, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP Littman Krooks is proud to sponsor NAMIWalks Westchester. Team LK will virtually walk with NAMIWalks Your Way on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 10:00AM. I am honored to lead our virtual walk team – Team LK: Marion’s Marchers. Our work at Littman Krooks is aligned to NAMI’s work…

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, families across the country are suffering unimaginable hardships. However, nowhere has been hit as hard by COVID-19 as New York City. Whether it be illness, job loss, lack of childcare or loss of a loved one, all New Yorkers have been affected by the virus in one way…

By Marion Walsh, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP The  United States Department of Education has confirmed that students with disabilities remain entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) during the COVID-19 national emergency. The New York State Education Department  has similarly confirmed that students with disabilities are entitled to FAPE and has issued update guidance.…

By: Amy E. Halpert, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP Students with disabilities are receiving a drastically reduced number of service hours. When they do receive services, it is questionable whether those service hours are being rendered with fidelity through the distance-learning platform. While we have been guided by the Department of Education to be flexible and…