The Special Education and Disabilities Law Practice at Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP represents children and parents in New Jersey and New York.  We are committed to obtaining the education, training, services and support to which individuals with disabilities are entitled under the law. The Individualized Education Program or IEP of a child is often at the center of the dispute and concerns whether a child is receiving the academic and support services he or she needs.  The Group is also available to assist families with accessing support and adult services.  Moreover, in our Wills, Trusts and Estates Group we have extensive experience with special needs estate planning and guardianship proceedings.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 18 % of Americans, or almost 1 in 5 have a disability.   Over 10% are school age.  This segment of our population is protected by law. Protection is based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and federal and state civil rights statutes. The source law for Special Education is the Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act of 2004 (“IDEIA”), which states that the school must provide a “free and appropriate public education” to educationally disabled students.  The law affords specific rights to all disabled students between the ages of 3 and 21 years.  Services for children 0-3 years are covered under Part C of IDEIA.

Lisa McCauley Parles, the mother of a 17 year old with autism and activist in the autistic community, leads the practice at Cohn Lifland.  She understands the issues and has helped numerous families and not-for-profit organizations over the years.  She is ably supported by Tania Garcia-Millan.  Ms. Garcia-Millan is a member of the Human Rights Committee of the Quest Autism Foundation and Quest Autism Foundation.org.