The Special Education and Disabilities Law Group 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 which individuals with disabilities are entitled to under the law. We have extensive experience in advocating, negotiating and when necessary, litigating cases where clients seek access to educational, support, residential and adult services.

In cases involving public school districts, the Individualized Education Program or IEP of a child is often at the center of the dispute and can affect whether a child is receiving the academic and support services he or she needs. Appropriate educational services and requests to Child Study Teams can range from inclusion with support in a regular education setting, to placement in an approved private school and, in some cases, a residential placement if warranted. (See FAQ below)

Our Disabilities Law Group can assist with developing appropriate and effective Individualized Educational Programs as well as strategies aimed at protecting the rights of the disabled. The Group is also available to assist families with accessing support, transition and adult services and has represented families and individuals in Division of Developmental Disabilities matters. We also represent clients in private insurance matters on coverage denials and insurance appeals. 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 federal and state law. The key statute governing Special Education is the Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act of 2004 (“IDEA”) 20 U.S.C.A. §1400 et seq. In New Jersey the IDEA is implemented through the New Jersey Administrative Code, N.J.A.C. 6A:14-1.1 et seq. IDEA states that the school must provide a “free and appropriate public education” (“FAPE”) to educationally disabled students. The law affords specific rights to all disabled students between the ages of 3 and 21 years. Early intervention services for children 0-3 years are covered under Part C of IDEA. Other protections and rights to reasonable accommodations are found in The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Lisa McCauley Parles, the mother of an 20 year old with autism and activist in the disabilities 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 has conducted training seminars and workshops on numerous topics of interest to the disabled and their families as well as not for profit organizations. She is ably supported by Denise Dimson Rekem, Esq. and Sheryl Suter, Paralegal.