Special Education Advocacy
We are dedicated to helping families struggling to obtain special education services and seeking solutions to the stress and frustration the process brings to their lives.
Many of our clients come to us without a special education classification, and we are committed to supporting them in acquiring appropriate services from their school districts. Our goal is to ensure that your child receives the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally.
Our initial meeting will include a thorough review of your child's school records and past testing results and an in-depth discussion about their unique strengths and struggles. By comprehensively understanding your child's needs, we can better tailor our assistance to address their specific requirements.
Our assistance may include obtaining an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Accommodation plan and identifying related services that may benefit your child. Additionally, we will assist you in setting achievable goals for your child's education and provide guidance in selecting appropriate programs and placements.
Most parents we work with describe their frustration with a school district that provides more obstacles than answers, often leaving them feeling misled, overwhelmed, unprepared, and alone. But you don't have to face these challenges alone; we are your advocates at every step of the journey.
We advocate for our clients at all levels of their journey and have great expertise with those who need help navigating the support that their home school districts offer. Our successful experiences negotiating with the educational systems and championing change for our clients are based on our intimate knowledge of state and federal special education law.
When necessary, we will collaborate with your attorney, or we can make a referral for legal counsel.
Our team is here to provide you with the support, understanding, and expertise you need to ensure your child's educational success and well-being. Together, we can create an environment that nurtures their growth and development.
What People Are Saying
“When my daughter with special needs was ready to enter Kindergarten, I wanted to make sure she would continue to get the support she needed to feel successful in school. Upon entering my first meeting with the school district's Committee on Special Education (CSE), I felt confident we could all work together as a team to develop an appropriate educational plan for my daughter. What I found was the school district not only disregarded my input as a parent, but they also dismissed the reports and recommendations of my daughter's teachers, therapists and doctors. The whole process left me feeling overwhelmed and confused. That is when my daughter's speech therapist recommended I call Jodi Liston. Jodi thoroughly reviewed my daughter's file, consulted with me and then accompanied me to the next CSE meeting. Her presence at the meeting really leveled the playing field. She has an extensive knowledge of education law and was able to address the committee with firm confidence. Without her advocacy, I probably would have walked away defeated. I am happy to say my daughter now receives the support services she needs in her Kindergarten class. My family and I are truly grateful to Jodi for her hard work and dedication.”
CN - Wappingers Falls, NY
“HK&L was extremely helpful to us in our time of need. They are very knowledgeable in special education law. Our consultant was easy to talk to and always accessible, even on very short notice. She came through for us when we needed her the most. I truly believe that if HK&L had not been at our side during our meetings, we would still be fighting an uphill battle and getting nowhere. As it is, they helped us get our child to an appropriate placement, which would have been an impossible or otherwise very difficult task. I highly recommend Harris Kramer & Liston if you are in need of a special education advocate. You will not be disappointed.”