Perspectives on Disability Law Enewsletter Summer 2022

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Hinkle Prior & Fischer, PC, Attorneys at Law

Representing people with disabilities and their families since 1974

HPF staff attending Special Olympics New Jersey's Virtual Polar Plunge, February 2022

Special Olympics New Jersey Virtual Polar Plunge

It was a balmy 37 degrees on the beach at LBI in February, above, as the staff at Hinkle Prior & Fischer tried to stay warm at SONJ’s Virtual Polar Plunge.

Special Olympics USA Games

Paul Prior, Esq. and Maria Fischer, Esq. traveled to Orlando, Florida to support the New Jersey delegation at the Special Olympics USA Games. The USA Games unite more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean, 20,000 volunteers and 125,000 spectators during one of the nation’s most cherished sporting events.

Eden Family Raffle

For the third consecutive year, Hinkle Prior & Fischer sponsored and helped run the Eden Autism Family Raffle which is Eden’s longest-running fundraiser. This year’s raffle raised over $30,000.

Wide photo of the SONJ Games Closing Ceremony

HPF staff and friends at the firm's table at SONJ Games

HPF attorneys and staff in the bleachers for the SONJ Games

Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games

Hinkle Prior & Fischer was out in force in Olympic Village at the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games. It was great to be out with the athletes and parents again!

PLAN NJ

Celebration of Abilities

Paul Prior, Esq. and Maria Fischer, Esq. recently attended PLAN NJ's Celebration of Abilities. Joined here by Steve Cook, Executive Director of the Arc Mercer and Rick Koreyva, Immediate Past President of the Board of The Arc Mercer, they honored awardees.

Volunteer of the Year Award winner Maria Fischer, Esq. (center) with family, friends and staff at the Arc Awards Dinner

Maria Fischer, Esq. Named Volunteer of the Year

by The Arc of New Jersey

Congratulations to our partner Maria Fischer, Esq. upon receiving The Arc of New Jersey’s Volunteer of the Year Award. Maria was recognized for her work throughout the disability community and especially for her work with Special Olympics New Jersey and her nearly daily work with The Arc of Mercer during the height of the Pandemic.

HPF with Jersey Mike's Sub ASandwiches supporting Special Olympics USA Games

HPF and Jersey Mike's Team Up for the USA Games

The staff of Hinkle Prior & Fischer enjoyed lunch from Jersey Mike’s Subs this spring in support of “Giving Day.”

100% of the sales that day were donated to the Special Olympics USA Games and local Special Olympics programs throughout the country.

HPF staff gathered at a card table during a gaming fundraiser

Special Olympics New Jersey

Evening of Chance

The staff of Hinkle Prior & Fischer was thrilled to be back in-person as sponsors of Special Olympics New Jersey's Evening of Chance this spring. SONJ raised more than $60,000 at the event.

NAMI Walk for Mental Health Awareness

Eva Rangel-Ribeiro, a staff member at Hinkle Prior & Fischer, walked to raised funds and increase awareness for NAMI Mercer during Mental Health Awareness Month in May.

WORKSHOPS AND PROGRAMS

FOR YOUR GROUP

To help families navigate the complexities of the New Jersey service system, attorneys at Hinkle Prior & Fischer offer workshops and seminars to community organizations and parent groups throughout New Jersey. There is no charge. Events can be in-person at your location, or via Zoom (we will take care of setting that up for your group). Here is what people are saying about our presentations:

"My wife and I actually had fun learning about a difficult topic – Wills and estate planning. I got all my questions answered in a way I understood."

"I have been to other workshops on this topic before, but I learned more with this presentation. I feel like I can be a better advocate for my child."

Interested?

Click here to see our list of topics and to request an event.

LEGAL VICTORIES

Here are a few of the many recent legal making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and their families:

Jared Oberweis, Esq. and Maria Fischer, Esq. collaborated in on a case in Bergen County on behalf of a 19-year-old student who was denied adequate transition services. They negotiated a favorable settlement that not only got the young man the services the family was seeking, but also got him community-based instruction, speech therapy services, and a longer instructional day.
Sarah Cuprzinski, Esq. assisted a family in a Social Security hearing on behalf of their 38-year-old daughter with disabilities who was denied SSI. Sarah’s fully favorable legal victory means that the woman is now receiving full benefits under SSI, opening the door to Medicaid and DDD eligibility.
Paul Prior, Esq. helped the family of a 17-year-old Monmouth County student following a behavioral incident on the school bus. In violation of the law, the district failed to notify the parents and failed to conduct a manifestation determination to determine whether the student’s behavior was related to his autism. Against the wishes of the parent and the private school placement, the local school district placed the student on home-bound instruction. Paul’s legal victory allowed the teen to return to his school and resume learning, as well as provided increased support during transportation.

2651 Main Street

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

(609) 896-4200

(215) 860-2100

ABOUT OUR FIRM

Hinkle Prior & Fischer is a full service disability law firm. Our entire practice focuses on serving people with disabilities and their families.

Offices: Lawrenceville • Cherry Hill • Florham Park • Hackensack

Disclaimer: Information contained in this publication is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for legal services.