Help Parents: Become knowledgeable about special ed law; stay on top of recent developments in sped law; & learn to advocate for child's educational needs
Having a child with a disability is hard enough. My page is about helping parents of children with special needs advocate for their child's educational needs with their school district, and learn how to navigate the special education system, which can often be difficult and overwhelming.
I hope to start blogging soon, advising readers of upcoming workshops/programs in the field of special education law, and posting updates in special education law. If there is anything that YOU want to see on this Page, please let me know!
But, why listen to me?
I am a seasoned, skillful advocate who has practiced law in excess of twenty-five years. In 2007, as a solo practioner, I opened the law office of Patricia S. Phelan, PC – a Firm I dedicate exclusively to supporting parents of children with disabilities in need of navigating the field of special education law. I remain a solo practitioner ~ my clients can be assured that I will personally handle all aspects of their case. My Office
is located in Nyack, Rockland County, NY.
As a parent of children with a disability, years ago I was unable to identify a law firm which could appropriately represent my eldest daughter with the integrity and resilience that I knew she deserved. With no other option in sight, I immersed myself into the field of special education law, and opened my own law practice, with the philosophy and ideals I knew were critical to be successful in the field of special education law.
I am sensitive to a parent who feels misunderstood or not heard by his/her school district. I relate to the parent who is overwhelmed by confusing volumes of documents and is unsure how to make sense of this overbearing process. I pride myself on assisting my clients to navigate the system, understand the paperwork and relevant law, and put the pieces together in order to feel organized and empowered, rather than overwhelmed and overburdened. I am a fair and reasonable businesswoman to clients in all aspects of their representation.
In addition to being a relentless advocate for my clients and own children, I also recognize the importance of collaboration with a student's school district and the need to be open-minded and explore all potential options. I comprise a rare but necessary combination of resilience and collaboration in order to successfully represent my clients.
Since August of 2010, the University of the State of New York Education Department Office of
Special Education, certified me as an Impartial Hearing Officer (IHO) to preside over impartial due
process hearings (DPH) between parents of children with disabilities and their school districts. When families and districts are unable to negotiate a mutually acceptable resolution of their differences, an IHO like myself is assigned with the awesome role of listening to the evidence presented by each party, ruling on the law, and writing a written decision on behalf of the State. This additional experience is not only prestigious in its own right, but also, enables me to enhance my advocacy skills and mastery of special education law -- improving my insight, knowledge and abilities as a Parents' attorney.
I am a 1989 graduate of Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, MO. During law school,
I was an Associate Editor on the Law Revue [Washington University Law Quarterly] and a published author [“Challenging the Peremptory Challenge: Sixth Amendment Implications of the Discriminatory Use of Peremptory Challenges”, 67 Wash. U.L.Q. 547 (1989)]. I am admitted to practice law in both the states of NY and CT. In 1985, I received my undergraduate Psychology degree from Union College located in Schenectady, NY.
I have an extensive litigation background. Upon graduation from Law School, I became a state prosecutor at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, NY, where I handled a wide variety of cases including Homicides. I resigned in 1996 as a Senior Assistant District Attorney, assigned to the Major Narcotics Bureau, where I handled complex narcotic trials. Upon leaving the DA’s Office, I went to a private firm on Long Island, NY, where I practiced predominantly matrimonial litigation. I also defended persons accused in federal and state criminal cases. Following that, I worked as a consultant to general civil/criminal litigation firms, while staying home to raise my three young children.
I am currently a member of Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates and a Board Member of PULSES ~ "Parents United Learning the Special Education System." Further, for many years I have been an active volunteer for Autism Speaks. I have been honored to spend the past several years as Co-Chairperson then Chairperson of the Greater Hudson Valley Walk Now for Autism Speaks. the law office of Patricia S. Phelan, PC has also been a Corporate Sponsor of the Greater Hudson Valley Walks for many years. In 2014 I was thrilled to again Chair the GHV Walk, which raised $187,000, far exceeding Autism Speaks' targeted Walk goal! I also frequently volunteer for the Westchester/ Fairfield Walk Now for Autism Speaks. My children are also active volunteers in Autism Speaks, recognizing at an early age the importance of giving back to their community.
In addition to enjoying speaking to parents' groups and other forums where I can assist people in navigating the special education system, I authored the following articles published by ParentGuide News: "Inclusive Education~Integrating Special Needs and Typical Students in the Classroom" and "Advocating for Your Special Needs Child's Education." In 2013, I was honored as the recipient of the 2013 PULSES Outstanding Service Award in the Parents' category. In 2015, Autism Speaks honored the law office of Patricia S. Phelan, PC with the Crystal Supporter Award, for raising $27,875 for the 2014 GHV Walk now for Autism Speaks. To date, I have already raised in excess of $25,000 towards the 2015 GHV Walk Now for Autism Speaks. I live in Rockland County with my husband, our two daughters and our son.
To support the needs of parents of children with disabilities by assisting them in (1) advocating to their school districts for FAPE (free appropriate special education) on behalf of their child(ren); and (2) navigating the field of special education law.
