NYC Special Education Lawyer Adam Dayan is joined by Repertorio Español’s Robert Federico, Founder and Executive Producer Emeritus; Allison Astor-Vargas, Manager of Special Projects and Education; and Daniela Thome, Actor and Director. They will discuss the origins of Repertorio Español and explore the theater’s programs and accessibility features designed to enhance the experience for attendees with special needs. The conversation will also cover the theater’s educational outreach, including how they perform plays and conduct programs in schools that foster student engagement in writing and acting, while providing necessary accommodations for students with special needs.

In this episode, Adam Dayan, NYC Special Education Attorney, engages in a discussion with Dana Jonson, a Civil Rights and Special Education Attorney, examining the profound impacts of COVID-19 on special education. They explore the evolving meaning of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the post-pandemic era, highlighting challenges and legal implications for students with disabilities. Together they draw on Dana's personal journey with Dyslexia and ADHD to contrast past experiences with contemporary approaches in special education underscoring the ongoing need for inclusive education reforms and advocacy to ensure equitable access and support for all students.

NYC Special Education Attorney Adam Dayan teams up with Sarah Birnbaum, a Special Needs Parent, Special Education Advisor, and Parent Advocate, to explore the intricacies of transitioning from early intervention to preschool and kindergarten for children with special needs. They illuminate the significant hurdles parents may face, beginning with the acceptance that their child may not fit the mold of "typical." Sarah courageously shares snippets of her personal journey with listeners, underscoring the importance of learning how to advocate for her child within the “system” as well the benefits of seeking support and guidance from the special needs community. Together, Adam and Sarah offer invaluable insights for parents navigating similar challenges.

NYC Special Education Attorney Adam Dayan engages in a conversation with Anna Christodoulou, Director of Admissions and Outreach at Quad Preparatory School, focusing on Twice Exceptional (2E) Students. Their dialogue provides valuable insights into supporting these students by highlighting the significance of nurturing their strengths while addressing areas of growth. Anna delves into strategies employed by “Quad Prep” for effectively supporting (2E) students academically, emotionally, and socially and underscores the school's commitment to fostering individualized academic plans tailored to each student's needs which are essential for their success.

NYC Special Education Attorney Adam Dayan sits down for an insightful conversation with Tina McCourt, Program Director for Rebecca School. Together they discuss the transformative power of the DIR Floortime model (Developmental, Individual, Relationship-Based Model) in supporting students with neurodevelopmental delays. Tina emphasizes how this approach nurtures collaboration among home, school, and community, enabling ongoing growth and development beyond traditional classroom settings. She also underscores the significance of parents actively engaging, asking questions, and prioritizing the bond with their child throughout their special education journey.

In a collaborative discussion, NYC Special Education Attorney Adam Dayan engages with Katie Lewis, a Board-Certified Music Therapist and Teacher at Gillen Brewer School, to explore the benefits of Music Therapy. The conversation delves into the daily experiences of a music therapist specializing in providing therapy services to children with special needs. Katie shares insights into various techniques and individualized approaches used in music therapy, offering examples of success stories with her students. Together, Adam and Katie aim to shed light on the valuable role of music therapy in the lives of children facing special needs challenges.