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Special Needs Planning
Life Insurance Should Be Part of an Estate Plan
Life insurance plays an important part in your estate plan, especially if you have young children or a spouse or family member with a disability who depends on you for support. Life insurance can be especially helpful in providing immediate cash at death, which is often needed for funeral expenses and to pay the debts of the decedent.
In determining how much life insurance you need, you should consider both the long-term needs and short-term needs of the people who depend on your income.
School Bus Strike a Challenge for Special Needs Students
The two-week-old strike by New York City school bus drivers will continue, as the city rejected the union’s proposal for a “cooling-off period” during which the drivers would return to work and the city would stop seeking bids for a new bus contract.
The strike has disproportionately affected students with special needs. Only 152,000 of New York’s more than 1.1 million school children ride the school system’s yellow buses, but 54,000 of them are students with special needs, many of whom use wheelchairs.
Littman Krooks Strengthens Their Position in the Special Education Community
Littman Krooks LLP continues to enhance their strong reputation in the Special Education community through new initiatives in 2013. The experienced, fast-growing team of Special Needs Planning and Special Education attorneys and advocates is now uniquely positioned to better accommodate the needs of their clients. The firm has hired Giulia Frasca, an experienced Special Education attorney. Ms. Frasca works with children with special needs and their parents to obtain a free and appropriate public education from their school district. She also handles other special needs matters such as guardianships, wills and trusts…
Second Circuit Sets Important Precedent Upholding New York Prohibition on Aversive Interventions
The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit of New York, in Bryant v. New York State Education Department upheld New York’s regulatory prohibition on the the use of “aversive interventions,” which are negative consequences or stimuli administered to children who exhibit problematic and disruptive behavior that impedes their education. The interventions can include electric shock, food limitations, and restraints in schools.
Many States Fall Short in Meeting Community Living Goals
In 2007, the federal government began an initiative to help low-income seniors and persons with disabilities move back into the community from nursing homes. The multi-billion dollar program, called Money Follows the Person, awards grants to states to help them develop community-based resources for long-term care, and reduce reliance on institutional care. Although more than $1 billion was awarded during the five-year demonstration period, the states have fallen short of their goals…
NY Governor’s Bill Could Create a Justice Center to Protect People with Special Needs & Disabilities
At the close of the NYS legislative session last week, the Assembly and Senate concurred on the Governor’s bill to create the Justice Center to protect people with special needs and disabilities. This bill was introduced by Governor Cuomo in May with great fanfare. While we all applauded Governor Cuomo’s intent, the original bill did not deal with a number of complications which have now been resolved. The legislature and Governor agreed to additional amendments to strengthen the bill and make it more practical.
What Should I Know About Autism Awareness Month
April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to raise public consciousness about autism and autism spectrum disorders. You should be aware of what is happening this month to raise awareness, and new facts that have just been reported about autism diagnoses.
One of the most prominent signs you may see – or wear yourself – indicating the significance of this month is the Puzzle Ribbon, produced by the nonprofit Autism Society. This ribbon featuring multi-colored puzzle pieces is an internationally-recognized symbol of autism awareness. Wear it with pride and thank others when you see them wearing it.
Pooled Special Needs Trust Can Provide Peace of Mind for Donors and Beneficiaries
The pooled special needs trust maintains a separate account for each beneficiary of the trust. A beneficiary’s parent, grandparent, guardian, or individual with the disability must first set up the account. An initial enrollment fee and annual maintenance fee vary depending on the trust provider. The pooled trust achieves the same objectives as an individual special needs trust – to maintain the beneficiary’s government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid while using the trust monies to supplement government benefits.
Considerations for Determining if a Student Needs a One-to-One Aide
Decisions to recommend a one-to-one aide must weigh the factors of both: – The student’s individual needs; – The available supports in the setting where the student’s IEP will be implemented. There are certain important considerations that must be made by the CPSE/CSE in regard to the factors above. These include, but are not limited…
Special Education: The Budget Dilemma
In response to the recent article “Special Education for Schools a Delicate Balancing Act,” a partner at the law firm of Littman Krooks LLP has stated: “It is imperative for lawmakers to understand the ramifications of cutting back funds for special education. The IDEA and Part 200 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education…
