In a recent legal filing, Sadie Blyumin, acting as both the parent and natural guardian of her child B.B., has initiated a lawsuit against Melissa Aviles-Ramos, in her official capacity as Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, and the New York City Department of Education (DOE). The case, filed on November 13, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges that the DOE failed to provide B.B. with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The complaint details that despite an administrative ruling in favor of Blyumin in July 2025—wherein Impartial Hearing Officer Adrienne R. Lotson determined that iBRAIN was an appropriate placement for B.B.—the DOE has not complied with the order to fund B.B.’s educational program. This non-compliance has led to financial hardships due to accrued tuition late fees.
Blyumin seeks enforcement of B.B.’s “stay-put” rights under IDEA, which would require DOE to maintain funding for B.B.’s current educational placement at iBRAIN during ongoing proceedings. The plaintiff is also seeking declaratory relief and attorneys’ fees.
This case underscores ongoing challenges faced by parents advocating for appropriate educational accommodations for children with disabilities within public school systems.
Source: 125cv09490_Sadie_Blyumin_v_Melissa_Aviles_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
