Medically Fragile Children

Cedarhurst Lawyer Dedicated To Special Needs Education

Does your special needs or disabled student have special medical needs as well? Does he or she need important medicine during the school day or require periodic blood tests or the use of a nebulizer? Would sensitivity issues, such as allergies to bleach or chalk, intrude on his or her educational process?

I am Joseph M. Fein, a disability education lawyer with offices in Cedarhurst. Medically fragile children and their families have been my clients for years. I champion your special child’s right to an education and will do whatever I can to assure your fair day in court before a school district’s decision makers.

Medically Fragile Children Are Entitled To Accommodations

Section 504 is a New York civil rights law that pertains to public school students in two very important ways. It states that a child with medical disabilities cannot be discriminated against in a public school, and that a disabled child is entitled to receive accommodations in his or her public school so that he or she can fairly participate in all school programs and activities.

Under this law, a student with a disability is defined as one “whose physical or mental disability substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as caring for oneself, seeing, breathing, learning and walking.”

Disabilities of medically fragile children, those who are commonly covered under Section 504, would include:

• Asthma

• Cancer

• Poor eyesight or hearing

• HIV positive

• Allergies or chemical sensitivities

• Diabetes, requiring attention of a registered nurse

• Epilepsy

• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

A child’s tenuous medical disabilities health situation may call for nurse accompaniment on a school bus due to a severe seizure disorder. A nurse may also help for a child with attention deficit disorder (ADD) who cannot stay focused. Whatever the child’s needs, medically fragile children deserve a passionate, experienced educational attorney advocate.

Meet With Joseph M. Fein

My firsthand experience with these delicate situations and track record of success for my clients can get results for you and your family too. I can arrange evening or weekend visits if necessary. Contact me at my Cedarhurst office to discuss your medically fragile child’s right to education accommodation. I serve families throughout the New York area, including Long Island.