Advocate, Attorney, and Champion for the Special Needs Community
Advocate, Attorney, and Champion for the Special Needs Community
For Brad Gerstman, advocacy isn’t just a cause—it’s a lifelong commitment. As both a lawyer and government relations professional, Brad has spent decades working on the legal, legislative, and policy issues that impact individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. He understands the challenges they face—navigating complicated systems, fighting for services, and ensuring their voices are heard in both Albany and Washington—and has dedicated his career to making those paths clearer and more accessible.
Brad’s leadership has touched every corner of the special needs community. He has served as Long Island Advocacy Chair for Autism Speaks, Executive Committee Member and Advocacy Chair for the Long Island Walk Now for Autism, Chair of the Nassau County Autism Coalition, Counsel to the Long Island Autism Coalition Board, and a Member of the Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America. His influence has reached the state level as well, having been appointed by Governor on the nomination of Senate Majority Leaderr—to the Governor’s Council on Interactive Media and Child Violence. His dedication to protecting vulnerable children was also recognized by Child Abuse Prevention Services, which honored him at its annual gala.
Today, Brad carries forward this mission as Co-Founder and Board Member of the Lisa Beth Gerstman Foundation, a family organization that provides children with physical and developmental disabilities the joy and independence of summer camp—where friendships are made, confidence is built, and every child is celebrated for who they are.
At the intersection of law, policy, and advocacy, our work is dedicated to protecting the rights and improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Drawing on decades of legal practice, government relations expertise, and first-hand advocacy experience, we provide guidance and representation in a wide range of matters where disability rights and public policy meet.
Individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities deserve not only access to employment but also a safe, respectful, and equitable workplace. Unfortunately, discrimination, harassment, and unfair treatment still occur—often from a lack of understanding of the law or willful disregard for it.
We represent individuals with disabilities who have been:
Our approach blends legal action with advocacy. We use the protections afforded under federal and state law—including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, and New York State Human Rights Law—to hold employers accountable. Where possible, we also engage directly with policymakers and agencies to push for systemic changes that make workplaces more inclusive and accessible.
With years of experience navigating legislative and regulatory systems, we help families, organizations, and community leaders shape the policies that directly affect individuals with developmental disabilities. Whether it’s securing funding for essential programs, advancing legislation to protect rights, or addressing gaps in services, we know how to turn advocacy into tangible results.
We also work with nonprofits, service providers, and educational institutions to ensure they are operating in compliance with disability rights laws and are equipped to meet the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Our mission is simple: to give the special needs community the tools, protection, and representation it deserves—whether in the courtroom, the workplace, or the halls of government.
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