Education Rights
Our Education Rights Team advocates for students with disabilities so that they benefit from the vast array of educational services and supports guaranteed under Federal and State Laws including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
We help with:
- Legal Analysis and Advice about your childās Special Education Rights
- Seeking Additional IEP or 504 Services, Supports, and Accommodations.
- Representation and Advocacy at IEP and 504 Plan meetings
- Obtaining publicly funded Independent Educational Evaluations (IEES)
- Suspension and Expulsion Issues
- Due Process Hearings and Mediations
- California Department of Education Compliance Complaints
- Office of Civil Rights (OCR) Complaints
Unfortunately, we cannot help if two of the childās education rights holders (usually their parents) disagree about the childās educational needs.
How To Get Help
Call to speak to our intake team, Monday through Friday 9 am ā 5 pm
Call 1-877-534-2524Ā Ā Ā Ā | Ā Ā Ā Ā TTY 1-800-735-2929
Or send an email using the contact form.
Or come in to one of our 3 office locations.
Know Your Rights Webinars
30-Minute Education Rights Information Sessions
Several times a year, we hold online Special Education āKnow Your Rightsā Presentations. Registration is simple. Presentations are FREE and will provide you with information you can use immediately to improve your childās IEP.
We offer a brief, 30-minute presentation because we know how busy you are, however if you want to stick around after the presentation, we will stay online for a 20-minute Q&A to answer general legal questions. Sorry, but we cannot give specific legal advice during these sessions. If you are interested in assistance or representation with your childās education, please call our intake line directly to see if you are eligible for our free legal services.
Mark Your Calendars and Register Today!
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 - Back to School With an IEP
5:30-6pm Presentation, 6:00-6:20 Question and Answer
Starting a new school year can be challenging, especially when your child has an IEP. Will the new teacher follow the IEP? Who is the new case manager? Will services start right away? In this 30-minute presentation we will run through what is legally required at the start of the school year, ways you can pro-actively ensure your childās IEP is followed and ensure that you are informed of their progress. We will be sharing easy to use checklists and email templates to make advocating for your child easier.
This webinar is FREE, but you must register. Registration is limited, so get your spot now!
Click here to complete the registration form
Wednesday, September 25, 2024- How to Prepare for An IEP Meeting
5:30-6pm Presentation, 6:00-6:20 Question and Answer
Parents are critical IEP team members. But have you ever left an IEP meeting feeling like everyone acted like they knew more about your child than you did? Do you want to participate more but arenāt sure how? Understanding what is legally required in an IEP meeting will help you understand the who, what, and why of IEP meetings and be prepared to actively participate. We will review IEP requirements and provide helpful advocacy skills to give you the confidence you need to prepare for an IEP. We will be sharing free templates and checklists for preparing for an IEP like a pro.
This webinar is FREE, but you must register. Registration is limited, so get your spot now!
Click here to complete the registration form
October 23, 2024- I Donāt Agree with the IEPāWhat Are My Rights?
5:30-6pm Presentation, 6:00-6:20 Question and Answer
The IEP is over, and it did not go well. You donāt agree with the offer, so now what? During this webinar we will explain what you can do, or what happens if you do nothing after an IEP meeting. We explain what school districts are legally permitted to do, and what school districts must do when parents donāt consent to the IEP offer. We will provide helpful templates for signing the IEP and preserving your rights and discuss options you have when in disagreement. After this webinar you will be more confident and knowledgeable about what to do when you disagree with the IEP.
This webinar is FREE, but you must register. Registration is limited, so get your spot now!
Self Help Resources
- Short Videos About A Variety of Special Education Topics: Parents Helping Parents
- Technical Assistance Information and Resources from the California Department of Education Complaint Support Unit.
- Self-Help Information for Special Education Cases by the Office of Administrative Hearings
Request a Presentation
Our staff give presentations on a variety of issues to community groups, service providers, and others in low-income communities.
Volunteer to Help
We can always use volunteer assistance. Please contact our pro bono team for opportunities!