Brian O'Connor

Special needs parents & experts helping NYC families navigate IEPs, advocacy, and special education.

Special Ed Lawyers

The Misrule of Law: How Albany Is Making Up Rules to Kill Your Special Ed Appeal.

Jun 11, 2026

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5 min read

The Misrule of Law: How Albany Is Making Up Rules to Kill Your Special Ed Appeal.

NYC special education appeals have exploded. Albany is throwing them out.

Brian O'Connor

D75

What Is District 75? A Guide for NYC Parents

Jun 6, 2026

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12 min read

What Is District 75? A Guide for NYC Parents

New York City has a school system most parents never hear about — until they need it.

Brian O'Connor

Math Help

Math IEP Goals for Students with Disabilities: Start With the Life, Then Work Backward

Jun 2, 2026

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8 min read

Math IEP Goals for Students with Disabilities: Start With the Life, Then Work Backward

A monthly feature with Randy Ewart, autism parent and special education math specialist

Brian O'Connor

Financial Planning

ABLE Account vs. Special Needs Trust: Which Does Your Child Need?

May 28, 2026

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8 min read

ABLE Account vs. Special Needs Trust: Which Does Your Child Need?

Sharon and I thought we knew the answer. We were wrong. Sort of.

Brian O'Connor

Parent Rights

10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Special Education Lawyer in NYC

May 22, 2026

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12 min read

10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Special Education Lawyer in NYC

What nobody tells you before you sign the retainer

Brian O'Connor

Special Education Acronyms and Terminology

May 19, 2026

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10 min read

Special Education Acronyms and Terminology

A Guide for Parents Lost in the Labyrinth

Brian O'Connor

IESP

May 14, 2026

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11 min read

What Is an IESP? NYC Private School Family Guide

Congress eliminated this right years ago. New York never changed its law.

Brian O'Connor

The Atlantic's Special Ed Argument is 100 Years Old. Here's the History they Left Out.

May 12, 2026

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6 min read

The Atlantic's Special Ed Argument is 100 Years Old. Here's the History they Left Out.

What the comments section revealed.

Brian O'Connor

Parent Rights

May 5, 2026

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25 min read

Special Education Lawyers in NYC: A Guide for Parents

We've been doing this for eight years. We wish we'd had this list on day one.

Brian O'Connor

NYC Special Education Appeals Have Exploded. One Attorney Has the Data.

Apr 27, 2026

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7 min read

NYC Special Education Appeals Have Exploded. One Attorney Has the Data.

The numbers behind NYC's due process explosion — and what they mean for your family.

Brian O'Connor

Parent Rights

NYC DOE Admits: 25% of Preschoolers Get Zero Special Ed Services Despite $1.49B Carter Case Spending

Apr 20, 2026

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5 min read

NYC DOE Admits: 25% of Preschoolers Get Zero Special Ed Services Despite $1.49B Carter Case Spending

Due process cases cause education deficit to skyrocket. Who's to blame? What does the future hold?

Brian O'Connor

Parent Rights

How to Request a Special Education Evaluation in NYC: Avoid These Mistakes

Apr 1, 2026

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13 min read

How to Request a Special Education Evaluation in NYC: Avoid These Mistakes

Insider tips from a clinical psychologist on navigating NYC special education evaluations, OPWDD requirements, and insurance approvals

Brian O'Connor

Special Needs

Congress Didn't Cut Special Education This Time. But the Blueprint Is Still on the Table.

Mar 5, 2026

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13 min read

Congress Didn't Cut Special Education This Time. But the Blueprint Is Still on the Table.

The threats that NYC parents need to know about

Brian O'Connor