Does your child need more attention than is provided in a regular class setting? Do you need help obtaining the educational services your child requires? Does your child need private school tuition reimbursement?
Contact us if your child:
Special Education Advocacy in NYC
We work with parents of students between the ages of 2 and 21 who require special education support and any related services.
Dedicated to assisting families throughout the greater New York area
When Your Child Needs More, We're Here to Help
Has a learning or behavioral problem
Requires special education and any related services
Has not made progress in their current school/program
Who We Are
Special Education Advocates
With advanced degrees in Psychology, Social Work, and more
Special Education Attorneys
Who have successfully negotiated and litigated cases across New York
Dedicated
Support Staff
Who will handle your paperwork, pursue your collections, and more
Let Our Experience Be Your Guidepost
What We Do
Our mission is to assist families in their efforts to identify, pursue, and secure appropriate educational program placements and resources for their children.
Tuition Reimbursement
Residency Program Placements
Individual Education Plan Meeting Prep
Special Education Dispute Litigation
Your Partner in the
CSE Process
The Committee on Special Education (CSE) process can be daunting. From initial evaluations to IEP meetings and hearings, it's a lot of information to digest and the decisions that get made have powerful implications. We'll work directly with you on how to effectively communicate and address your child's needs. Our NYC special education advocates are here to make everything clear and help you prepare so that you can feel confident during each and every step.
What a Few of Our Clients Say
As your advocates, we stand beside you every step of the way. Our mission is to ensure that your child receives the appropriate educational accommodations they deserve. We understand the stakes and are committed to fighting for your child's rights within the education system. We've helped many before, and here are some of the things they've shared about our support.
The staff of Susan Lugar & Associates have been our rock through a very difficult time. They have helped us on the legal end, in trying to seek reimbursement when the district could not provide FAPE (free and appropriate public education), they have helped us navigate the system all together. The staff we worked most closely became confidants who truly saw and understand our student and their unique needs. Highly recommend!
We have used SLA for 9 years now and I cannot say enough good things about them. They make a daunting job of navigating the whole special education process manageable. When we started I had no idea the amount of work and effort that goes into this process. SLA have great employees who are hard working friendly and caring. Everyone we have dealt with has done a great job and I cannot recommend them highly enough.
The words “thank you” are inadequate. This is my 5th year retaining SLA. Each of the employees I deal with whether they be the educational specialists, the attorney, advocate for my son. When I first retained them, I needed a lot of “hand holding.” They have prepared me for all of the meetings and I felt zealously represented and prepared to speak. This firm has always delivered a positive determination, and prompt reimbursement. For what it’s worth, some of my friends are still waiting for reimbursement from 2 years ago. Not I.
Joseph Fein did a remarkable job and we are so grateful to have found him. He was incredibly knowledgeable, skilled and effective. He has such deep experience and was able guide us patiently and expertly through this complex process. He always took the time to listen to our concerns and he explained every step of the way. His calm and competent approach provided great confidence during a stressful time and we recommend him without reservation!
Further Reading and Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a special education advocate do?
A special education advocate is someone who helps you understand and protect your child’s educational rights. We work with you to review evaluations and IEPs, attend school meetings, communicate with the district, and make sure your child receives appropriate services and supports.
We also help you identify when a school may not be meeting its legal obligations and explain your options for taking action.
Are we able to get financial assistance for private school?
Yes—financial assistance for private school may be available, depending on your child’s circumstances. If the school district failed to provide your child with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in a timely or appropriate way, you may be able to seek tuition reimbursement or public funding for a private school placement. While families are usually responsible for private school tuition when they enroll on their own, the district can be required to reimburse those costs if it’s shown that the public placement was inadequate and the private school meets your child’s needs.
Is a therapeutic residential program right for my child?
Deciding whether a therapeutic residential program is right for your child depends on their specific needs and challenges. These programs are designed for students who require intensive, structured support for emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs that cannot be met in a traditional school setting. They combine education with therapy and life skills training to help your child make meaningful progress.
Support During Every Chapter
Susan Lugar Associates is committed to being your steadfast partner in securing the best educational outcomes for your child. Our New York special education advocates believe that a supportive and informed journey through the process can significantly reduce stress for families. You can trust us to take the time to listen to your concerns, explain your options, and advocate fiercely on your behalf.