Leading in a Lonely World Podcast: Meet Jamie Pagliaro, a Leader Who has Made His “Passion” for Helping Others His Life’s Work
Ruder Ware's Elder Law Team Recognizes National Special Needs Law Month - Part 2
Top 10 Actions (or Inactions), that Spur Special Education Impartial Hearing Requests for School Districts
Fifty years ago, millions of children with disabilities were excluded from public education. Today, how far have we come—and where do we go next? ...more
Many of our clients are adjusting to life as parents or grandparents of college students for the first time this fall. Aside from the emotional adjustment that comes from watching our children graduate high school and leave...more
When parents look to the future, they picture family dinners, school milestones, and graduation caps. Rarely, if ever, do parents consider what would happen if they were not able to raise their children themselves. Yet...more
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) has recently issued two audit reports revealing substantial improper Medicaid fee-for-service (FFS) payments for Applied Behavior Analysis...more
If you have a loved one with special needs, you know that caring for him or her can, at times, feel totally overwhelming. Presumably, you have retained an attorney to guide you through the special education process in your...more
Careful planning for a loved one with disabilities is one of the most important and compassionate acts you can take as a parent or caregiver. It’s not just about securing their financial future, it’s about preserving their...more
In a previous blog, I discussed the process of a parent obtaining a guardianship for their special needs child. This blog discusses why it is not a good idea to try to shortcut this process and to simply have your child sign...more
The Great Wealth Transfer: Preparing the Next Generation - The great wealth transfer is underway in America. Through 2045, Baby Boomers will pass down approximately $84 trillion to Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X. But what...more
By law, public schools in the United States must provide services and support for students with special needs. However, some families find that an alternative to public schooling, known as microschools, better suits their...more
Every school year, we receive calls from parents asking about how they can protect their child from being bullied. Bullying is a serious problem for any child. However, bullying is particularly a concern for children with...more
Commonwealth Court voids Pennsylvania Department of Education’s newly imposed Age-Out Plan for failure to implement it in accordance with Pennsylvania Laws.* PSBA, Inc., et al. v. Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, Secretary of Education...more
As an attorney and a father of two special needs children, I uniquely understand the necessity of becoming a legal guardian for my children as soon as they reach eighteen years of age. Many individuals, however, may not...more
August is “National Make-a-Will” Month, the perfect opportunity to seriously consider your estate plan. Many delay this crucial task due to common misconceptions about what an estate involves. Here, we delve deeper into what...more
A supplemental needs trust (SNT) is an important estate planning tool for those with a special needs child. It ensures that your special needs child is taken care of after you are gone. Unlike other types of trusts, assets...more
Have you heard the terms “special” needs trust and “supplemental” needs trust and wondered what the difference is? The simple answer is that there’s no difference. Whether supplemental or special, these trusts serve the...more
Check out our April Elder Law and Special Needs newsletter! Our legal team explores important topics including beneficiary designations and the recent updates to the Medicaid divisor, which came into effect this month....more
Being a lawyer is undoubtedly demanding, but the challenges multiply exponentially when you add the responsibility of caring for a child with special needs. For women lawyers juggling these dual roles, finding balance and...more
Intellectual or developmental disability, known as IDD, affects approximately 7.39 million people in the United States, according to a 2019 estimate by the University of Minnesota. Typically present at birth or onsetting in...more
I was driving to work on August 24, listening to Lady Gaga on my Pandora radio station, when suddenly, I had a strong urge to call my younger daughter, Hannah. We talk regularly, so it isn’t unusual that I call her on my way...more
Maintaining independence is fundamental for people living with disabilities. Having mobility options allows people with certain disabilities to go to doctor’s appointments, grocery shop, visits friends, and keep a sense of...more
Estate planning can be a daunting task for individuals and families. The stakes can be high. The decisions are often numerous. Family dynamics frequently come into play. However, for those living with special needs or those...more
Starting this Fall, Ohio’s Dyslexia Law mandates that schools take a more holistic approach to dyslexia. For starters, school districts will have to screen all children in grades K-3 and students grades 4-6, if requested by...more
While public schools are required to serve children with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), private schools are not required to meet the same standards. The IDEA provides: “[n]o...more
Under New York’s law and regulations, there are several well-settled guiding principles for physically interacting with students with disabilities: corporal punishment is prohibited; the use of aversive interventions has been...more
There may have been a time in your life when you had a piggy bank for your child – a fun and interactive way for you to teach money management, patience, and basic math. The money went in, but it was often difficult to...more