No one can promise a result, but these are the ways a case usually ends.
The school starts the services
Sometimes a letter or a meeting is enough to get a missing service started. That fixes the future, but it doesn't by itself make up the time already lost, so ask about that too.
A settlement
The DOE and the family agree on a set number of tutoring or therapy hours, usually with a deadline and a way for the provider to be paid. This is a common result and avoids a hearing.
A hearing order granting services
The impartial hearing officer orders compensatory services: a type of service, a number of hours, and often a time limit to use them. An order may also direct the DOE to provide current services, evaluations, or authorizations to use an independent provider.
A partial award
The officer may award fewer hours than requested, for example only for periods the records clearly show were missed.
A denial
The claim may be denied, for example if the records show services were delivered or the claim is too old. A denial doesn't stop a family from raising new problems later.
An appeal
Either side may be able to appeal a hearing decision to a New York State Review Officer within strict deadlines.
After any award
There's still work to do until the hours are used. See how to use them before they expire, or let us refer you to a provider.
