AABANY Co-Hosts a Pro Bono Training: Special Education Hearings for Asian American Children with Disabilities

This event is now full. Email bjjensen@paulweiss.com to join the waitlist.

AABANY's Government Service & Public Interest Committee and Pro Bono & Community Service Committee are proud to co-host a special pro bono project serving the needs of disadvantaged students in the New York City public school system. Experts from Legal Services NYC will teach pro bono attorneys how to represent low and moderate income Asian American parents of children with disabilities as they fight to obtain fair education for their children in NYC public schools.

More about the project:

The clients. Low and moderate income Asian American parents of children with disabilities who are trying to obtain a fair education for their children in NYC public schools

The problem. New York City frequently refuses to provide disabled children with an adequate education, in contravention of federal and state law. Without legal assistance, parents often feel powerless to challenge a school district’s denial of special education services. Many parents are unaware of what rights their children are entitled to, or how to pursue relief. These issues are further compounded in Asian American and other immigrant communities where language and cultural barriers can make access to these services harder to obtain.  

The solution. Legal advice and representation at special education hearings makes a tremendous difference in the outcomes of these cases. With legal services organizations chronically underfunded, pro bono attorneys play an outsized role in securing justice for these families.

The project. LSNYC will partner with Asian American affinity groups in law firms and volunteers to represent parents at special education hearings and/or provide advice and counsel.

Volunteer support. LSNYC will provide thorough training and a volunteer manual, along with mentorship and oversight on cases.