How a Bill Becomes a Law and What Can I Do to Influence It

Learn how strong advocacy and state and federal protections can empower families and students to turn knowledge into action and secure the support needed for educational success.

New York families are protected by federal and state special education laws, including IDEA, Section 504, and New York’s Article 89/Part 200 regulations, which guarantee access to appropriate educational services, accommodations, and a structured evaluation and IEP process. Parents have the right to request evaluations, participate in decisions, review records, challenge IEP decisions, and seek independent evaluations. Effective advocacy begins with understanding these rights and building the confidence to use them. For students, this means recognizing their needs, communicating them clearly, and developing self-advocacy skills. For parents, it means actively participating as equal members of the educational team, preparing for meetings, communicating concerns, documenting decisions, and ensuring services are delivered.

Tuesday, November 17, 2026
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM