New York City is enormous, and a wonderful specialist in one borough usually isn't practical from another. So pick your borough below — each has its own credential-vetted directory of the best local evaluators, schools, therapists, doctors, and advocates, near you.
Free help understanding your rights, the IEP process, evaluations, and meetings — one of the best free resources in the country, serving all five boroughs.
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Free first reply with honest next steps — and we'll point you to the right borough and the right people.
Tell us about your child →How do I start the special-education process in New York City?
Put your request in writing to your child's school, asking for a full special-education evaluation — that is the legal first step. On A New Story you'll find a free, ready-to-send evaluation-request letter you can use today.
How long does a special-education evaluation take?
Once you give written consent, the school generally must complete the evaluation and hold an eligibility meeting within a set timeline (often around 60 days, though it varies by state). Putting your request in writing starts the clock.
Can my school district pay for a private special-education school?
Sometimes. If the public school can't provide an appropriate education, the district can be required to fund a state-approved nonpublic placement. It isn't automatic — it takes the right evaluation and advocacy — but families do it every year, including ones with limited funds.
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services under IDEA; a 504 plan provides accommodations under civil-rights law. A New Story's free guides walk you through which one fits your child.
Where can I find free special-education help in New York City?
A New Story lists credential-vetted schools, evaluators, therapists, advocates, and the free public programs and parent centers in New York — searchable by ZIP, and free forever.