This special needs page is meant to be a resource for homeschooling parents in New York State. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, you can contact Mary Fratianni, NYS LEAH Special Needs Coordinator (email: fratpak@verizon.net).

About the NYS LEAH Special Needs Coordinator:

Mary and husband, Ed, have been homeschooling their special needs son since 1999. They have been a member family of the National Association for Child Development since December of 2000. They are members of NATHHAN. Mary is the Chapter Leader of Parents Instructing Challenged Children (PICC) LEAH (email: piccleah@verizon.net). She is a board member of Brookhaven Friends For Life LEAH. She serves at the New York City / Long Island LEAH Convention as Special Needs Coordinator and speaks on special needs topics.

Resources

• Special Needs Resource List (PDF file)
• Parents Instructing Challenged Children (PICC) LEAH www.piccnys.com
• Protection & Advocacy for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PADD) - The Commission on Quality of Care contracts wih offices thoughout the state to provide free legal services to individuals with developmental disabilities (there are similar programs for other types of disabilities). These offices all have a wealth of experience in special education advocacy. To find the PADD office in your area go to: www.cqc.state.ny.us/advocacy/palist.htm#PADD