IEP vs. 504 Plan: Understanding the Difference
Terms such as “IEP” and “504 Plan” are frequently used interchangeably. However, they are not conceptually the same. It is important for parents and students to understand…
What to Do if You’re Falsely Accused of Using AI to Cheat in College
Inappropriately using generative AI (GenAI) to complete assignments or take exams is prohibited by most colleges and universities as “falsifying academic materials” or…
Lawyers at IEP Meetings: Understand Your Rights
The educational support and services your child with a disability receives are determined through their Individualized Education Program (IEP). An integral part of this process is…
Parents Take Action Against School District ‘Timeout’ Boxes
The parents of students with special needs placed in so-called “timeout” boxes in an upstate New York school district, as recently reported in the media, are outraged. And…
Special Education Due-Process Complaints in New York: A Guide for Parents
When discussions between a parent and a school district fail to resolve disagreements about a student’s right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE), the next step may be…
I’m Accused of Misconduct at School: What Happens Next?
If you or your child/student is accused of misconduct or wrongdoing at school, what to do next can be overwhelming for both the parents and students. Discipline at school is…
Are You a Victim of Sexual Misconduct at School? Here’s How to Take Action
Have you, as a student, experienced sexual misconduct or harassment at school? If so, it must be rapidly addressed, no matter what your background or situation. Schools and other…
How Does New York State’s Smartphone Ban Impact My Child’s IEP or 504 Plan?
New York state’s new smartphone ban in schools has left parents and guardians wondering how the ban might impact their student’s individualized education plan (IEP) or 504…
The Semester Has Already Started—Can I Still Get Accommodations at College?
Classes have already started, but you need accommodations and you haven’t applied for them. Maybe you didn’t know you qualified for accommodations, or you’re newly…
Smartphone Ban in New York Schools Set to Take Effect This Fall: What Parents Should Know About Ban on Personal Internet-Enabled Devices
With back-to-school quickly approaching, New York state Gov. Kathy Hochul’s smartphone ban, included in her “distraction-free school” policy approved as part of the New York…