The Law Offices of Adam Dayan represents parents of children with special needs in pursuing appropriate educational programs and services for their children. We represent children of all different ages who have a wide range of special education needs. It is never too early for a parent to seek help. We encourage parents to become informed early, and we provide guidance through all stages of the special education process.
New Mission
New Mission
My idea is to explore how other countries around the world are dealing with education and special education issues. I’d like to see different successful schools, wherever they may be, up close. I’d like to sit down with directors and administrators. I’d like to speak with government officials who keep a pulse on the education affairs of their communities. I want to learn more about education around the globe through speaking with locals, seeing the schools, and shaking hands with the people responsible for implementing the systems. If you know of any outstanding (public or private) special needs schools in other parts of the world, I’d love to hear about them. If you know any education experts from around the world, I’d love to be introduced to them. Please do not hesitate to share your thoughts or ideas. Read more about my mission.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Beware Of The Conscientious Teacher
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/07/nyregion/state-backs-up-accusation-by-harris-lirtzman-bronx-teacher-on-special-education-gotham.html
Cuomo Vetoes Special Education Bill
VETO-130
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Shema Kolainu-Hear Our Voices 10th Annual Legislative Breakfast
- NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn
- Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer
- Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
- Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder
- Assemblyman Dov Hikind
- Councilman Mark Weprin
- Councilman David Greenfield
- Councilman Dominic Recchia Jr.
Mayor Bloomberg, though not in attendance, delivered encouraging words by letter.
The event, presented by Founder and CEO of SKHOV Joshua Weinstein, was well-attended, full of energy, and sprinkled with commitments of continued funding and support for the battle against autism. Awards were bestowed upon a select group of honorees.
Day-in and day-out I am inspired by my clients, their families, and their stories. Today's event, however, was inspirational in a different way, and a powerful reminder of our ability, as a group, to effect meaningful change for those who need it the most.
Fate Of The Special Education Bill
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Will Governor Cuomo Sign The Special Education Bill?
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/03/nyregion/albany-bill-would-add-family-to-special-education-factors.html?_r=1&emc=tnt&tntemail0=y
The Wall Street Journal has reported on it:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304211804577501082865373076.html?KEYWORDS=fleisher
The mayor's office sent out a press release opposing the move.
The bill purports to do three things: (1) force school districts to take into account a child's home environment and family background when making decisions about special education placement; (2) change the timelines for due process proceedings and reimbursement with the goal of speeding up the process; and (3) ensure that, once a private school is deemed appropriate, it continues to be treated as appropriate until the school district changes the child's IEP. Again, I say "purports" because what this means exactly still needs to be worked out.
Schools and school districts are waiting in the wings to see how this will affect their regular course of business. Some questions that remain to be answered:
- What does it really mean to consider a child's "home environment and family background," and are there parameters?
- To what extent will this decrease litigation and reduce the high cost that such litigation typically entails?
- How will this affect the district's process of making placement recommendations?
- What, if any, effect will this have on the way in which State Ed treats private schools?
- To what extent does this bill comport with applicable federal law relating to children with disabilities?