|
Frequently Asked Questions
About Long Island Advocacy Center
About Educational Advocacy
About the Client Assistance Program
About Medicaid Service Coordination
Long Island Advocacy Center
Q: What issues do the advocates at Long Island Advocacy Center provide advocacy for?
A: The Long Island Advocacy Center provides advocates when the legal rights of students or individuals working with VESID are being violated?
Q: Can the Long Island Advocacy Center help me with my divorce or custody problems?
A: No, sorry we cannot.
Q: How can I get an advocate to come to a meeting with me?
A: The first step is to call the office manager in the county that you reside. Nassau: 248-2222 x 10 Suffolk 234-0467. An intake will be done and you will be assigned an advocate for a phone consultation. Most of the advice education advocates are given is over the phone. The client and advocate will determine if there is a need for an advocate to attend a meeting. There is a sliding scale fee for an advocate to attend a meeting.
Q. How do I get a lawyer to represent me?
A. At the Long Island Advocacy Center the first step is to work with an advocate. If necessary, the advocate will consult with and refer to one of our staff attorneys or provide the client with a list of private attorneys who specialize in education law.
Q. How can I get a service coordinator?
A. The service coordination programs at the Long Island Advocacy Center are for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. In order to qualify the consumer must have a developmental disability as defined by the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
Education Advocacy
Q Someone at my child’s school told me that my son/daughter scored too high, and therefore is too smart to qualify for special education, yet my child is not doing well. What can I do?
A. You have a right to have your child evaluated. The decision must be made by the entire committee on special education (CSE). Put your request in writing and send it to the Director of Special Education return receipt requested.
Q. Are all kids with learning disabilities entitled to special education services ( FAPE - Free Appropriate Public Education)?
A. To be eligible, a child with a disability must meet one of the 13 and because of the disability need special education services to benefit from the general education program. If the CSE (committee on special education) decides your child meets these two requirements, then an IEP (individual education plan) is developed.
Q. When is the district required to pay for a private evaluation?
A. By definition, an independent educational evaluation (IEE) is conducted by a qualified professional who is not an employee of the school district. Parents may request an IEE paid for by the school district when they disagree with the school district’s special education evaluation. In response to your request for an IEE, the district must take one of two actions: (1) Provide the IEE at public expense, or (2) Initiate a due process hearing to show the district’s evaluation was appropriate
Client Assistance Program
Q. How can CAP assist me?
A. CAP advocates can explain how the VESID and CBVH systems work, discuss your options and review your Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
Q. When should I call CAP?
A. At any point in the process of obtaining training, services and employment:
- When you apply for VESID or CBVH services and have questions;
- When you disagree with VESID or CBVH on your goals and services;
- When you have problems or delays in obtaining services; and
- If you object to your case being closed.
Q. Do I get to choose my employment or career goals?
A. Your employment and career goals should reflect your interests and abilities. VESID and CBVH counselors should work with you as a full partner in developing these goals. If you believe your IPE does not reflect your interests and abilities, call CAP.
Q. What if I want to challenge a service denial?
A. CAP will work with VESID or CBVH counselors to negotiate a solution to your complaint. If negotiation is unsuccessful, CAP can accompany you to mediation or represent you at:
- Administrative review;
- Fair hearing; and
- Legal action.
Q. What if I have an Independent Living Center complaint?
A. CAP can assist in resolving complaints and disputes with independent living centers.
Medicaid Service Coordination
Q. What is Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC)?
A. MSC is a service whereby a service coordinator provides linkages and referrals to supports and services that individuals desire or need to live as independently and productively as possible.
Q. Who is eligible for MSC?
A. Individuals who meet the criteria that OMRDD (Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities) sets for developmental disability who are living independently or with their families.
Q. What does the service coordinator do?
A. The service coordinator navigates the service delivery system with the individual receiving this service and acts as an advocate and service liaison. LIAC Inc. service coordinators work under the umbrella of the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD). Medicaid is the primary source of funding for service coordination.
Q. How can I get a service coordinator for my son or daughter with a developmental disability?
A. If you think you may be eligible call: 516-248-2222 x10.
|
