Some students who receive special education services are indistinguishable from their typical peers once the school day is over. Others have physical, medical, or neurodevelopmental differences that affect their lives, and those of their families, every day. They require far more supervision and support than their same-aged peers, and these needs are expected to continue for their lifetimes. If your child requires significant supervision and support beyond the school day, they may be eligible for services from the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

The Lower Hudson Special Education Task Force (LHSETF) presented an important free webinar program entitled Bright and Struggling: Twice Exceptional Students -- Let's Talk about students who are gifted and have disabilities on Tuesday, March 14^th. LK Partner Marion Walsh is a founding member of the Executive Board of LHSETF, which is a group committed to improving educational access and outcomes for students with disabilities through a collaborative regional and statewide network. At LK, in our special education practice, we advocate for many 2E students, and we know it is frustrating that NYS has no mandate for gifted education. Also, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act mandates, many school districts do not identify gifted students with disabilities as eligible for special education services as many achieve passing grades, even when decompensating. Panelists provided attendees with information on how to recognize and support students who are twice exceptional at home and in school. The recording can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/Z-lPoe7h-QQ  and we are sharing with the permission of LHSETF.