Education Rights

Educational rights and resources as pertain to children, adolescents and young adults with disabilities and mental health conditions.

• For children ages 0-3 in NYC, to access supportive educational services parents can submit a written request for complete evaluations for Early Intervention (EI) services. Evaluations are conducted free of cost and services are mandated if sufficient need is demonstrated.
• For children ages 3-5 in NYC, to access supportive educational services parents can submit written requests for complete evaluations to the Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE). Educational, physical, occupational and psychiatric assessments are conducted as needed, free of charge. Services are mandated if sufficient need is demonstrated.
• For children ages 6 – 18 in NYC, to access supportive educational services parents can submit written requests for complete evaluations to the Committee on Special Education (CSE). Educational, physical, occupational and psychiatric assessments are conducted as needed, free of charge. Services are mandated if sufficient need is demonstrated. For further information: visit the NYC Department of Education web site or the appropriate educational web site for your state.

The Federal law that provides the rights to equal accommodations for all students to succeed in public schools is the I.D.E.A. (Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act).  For assistance in understanding the I.D.E.A. and special educational services, visit:
www.understandingspecialeducation.com/special-education-law.html

or the  National Center for Learning Disabilities at:
www.ncld.org/disability-advocacy/learn-ld-laws/idea/what-is-idea