BUILDING YOUR PRACTICE: WORKING WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION ATTORNEYS Saundra M. Gumerove, Esq. 42 Marian Lane Jericho, NY advokidsblog.com

Special Education Attorneys rarely have local groups. On the Web: Provides attorney listings by state Provides attorney listings by state Check with local special education schools HOW TO FIND GENERATE REFERRALS

TRANSITION PLANNING: Why they need Special Needs Planners The purpose of the IDEA is to prepare children with special needs for further education, future employment and independent living. The law provides for “transition” planning to begin between the ages of The plan must be included in the students individual education plan (“IEP”)

The transition is from school to adulthood. School Districts do not do this well and do not focus on life issues that face families. There is generally no focus on government benefits.

The Special Needs Planner focus: What happens at age 18: –Guardianship –SSI –Special Needs Trust planning What happens at age 21 –Child ages out of school –Services paid for by government benefits become essential –Parents need to plan for their child’s future

The Special Needs Planner Focus (cont) Transition planning for independent living and future employment. Setting up a time table. –Apply for government benefits at age 18 –Plan for future living arrangements: group home/supported apartment/Intermediate care facility, etc. –Encourage family to get to get to know agencies that provide services and to learn what services are available.

Understanding of special needs trust and how they assist in planning Understanding the rules for government benefits –Families frequently have funds in their child’s name that can disqualify them for benefits –Families have no idea that they can plan

Focus on planning will occur more frequently with parents of older children.

Network, Network, Network Educate special education attorneys that you have services they need. Speak to groups like SEPTA (Special Education PTAs) One on one works best, but takes the most time.

Saundra M. Gumerove, Esq., the mother of a daughter with special needs, focuses her law practice to helping those with special need, including special education, guardianship, life planning (including special needs trusts) and government entitlements. Prior to opening her private practice Sandy was counsel for a money center bank and served as General Counsel for a national commercial finance company. Having practiced in the area of special needs for over twenty years, Sandy further serves the disability community as a Vice President of the Board of Nassau AHRC, a member of the NYSARC Board of Governors, Treasurer of the Brookville School for Children, and by authoring articles of interest to the disability community. Sandy also authors a website entitled Advokidsblog.com ( ) and often speaks on subjects of interest to the disability community.