Advocates and Attorney Support

COPAA

Justice Resource Center

Family Preservation Project

Mass Advocates for Children
Health Law Project

Federation for Children with Special Needs

PIN Network

The Arc

PPAL

EdLaw Project

Children's Law Center of Massachusetts

Massachusetts Law Reform Institute


Possible Probon Law Support

Greater Boston Legal Services

Community Legal Aid

Northeast Legal Aid

South Coastal Counties Legal Services

Umass Justice Bridge


Law Colleges Support

Boston College Law School
Phone: (617) 552-4345

Boston University School of Law
Phone: (617) 353-3141

Harvard Law School
Phone: (617) 495-5202

Northeastern University Law
Phone: (617) 373-4942

Suffolk University Law School
Phone: (617) 573-8644

Do I need an Advocate, Consultant or Attorney?

While the terms "Special Education Advocate" and "Special Education Consultant" are sometimes used interchangeably, there are subtle distinctions between the two roles. These differences can vary, and the specific responsibilities may overlap depending on the individual's qualifications and the needs of the situation.

A "special education attorney" is a lawyer who specializes in legal matters related to special education. These attorneys focus on cases involving students with disabilities and their rights within the educational system. Special education attorneys are knowledgeable about the complex web of federal and state laws that govern special education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the United States.

When choosing someone to help you, please choose based on the needs of your child, not based on location. They can be located anywhere and do video calls to support you.

Special Education Advocate:

  1. Role: Advocates primarily act on behalf of parents and students, ensuring that the student's rights are upheld within the educational system.

  2. Representation: Advocates often represent the interests of the student and their family during Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, mediations, or due process hearings.

  3. Legal Knowledge: Advocates typically have a strong understanding of special education laws and regulations through first-hand experiences, using this knowledge to support families in navigating the legal aspects of the education system.

  4. Empowerment: Advocates work to empower parents by providing information, guidance, and support to help them become effective advocates for their children.

Special Education Consultant:

  1. Role: Consultants may have a broader role that includes advising and providing expertise to educational institutions, school districts, or even other professionals.

  2. Expertise: Consultants may possess specialized knowledge in areas such as curriculum development, teacher training, program evaluation, or policy implementation in special education.

  3. Training and Professional Development: Consultants might be involved in offering training sessions and professional development opportunities for educators to enhance their ability to work with students with special needs.

  4. Systemic Improvement: Consultants may focus on systemic improvements within the education system, working with schools or districts to enhance their overall special education programs.

Special education attorney:

  1. Representation: Special education attorneys represent the interests of students with disabilities and their families. They may advocate for the rights of students during Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, due process hearings, or other legal proceedings.

  2. Legal Expertise: These attorneys have a deep understanding of special education laws and regulations. They can help families navigate the legal complexities involved in obtaining appropriate educational services for their children.

  3. Dispute Resolution (Mediation): Special education attorneys may assist in resolving disputes between parents and school districts. This can include issues related to the development of IEPs, placement decisions, or allegations of discrimination.

  4. Due Process Hearings: In situations where disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation, a special education attorney may represent the family in due process hearings. These hearings are formal legal proceedings to resolve conflicts related to special education services.

  5. Advocacy for Individualized Education: Special education attorneys work to ensure that students with disabilities receive an education tailored to their individual needs, as mandated by the IDEA. This includes advocating for appropriate accommodations, modifications, and related services.

  6. Knowledge of Educational Systems: Special education attorneys often have a good understanding of the educational system, including how schools operate and the resources available to students with disabilities.

  7. Legal Advice and Support: Families of students with disabilities may consult with special education attorneys for legal advice and support throughout the education process. This could involve reviewing educational records, providing guidance on dispute resolution strategies, and offering representation in legal proceedings.

Overlapping Responsibilities:

  • Parent Support: Both advocates and consultants may provide support and guidance to parents, although advocates often do so with a more direct focus on the legal and procedural aspects of special education

  • Knowledge of Laws: Both advocates and consultants should have a solid understanding of special education laws, but advocates typically emphasize the application of these laws to protect the rights of individual students.

These questions cover a broad range of criteria to help you assess the qualifications and approach of a Special Education Advocate, Consultant. or Attorney you may need.:

  • Do you work just for families or do you work with any school departments as well?

  • What kind of training have you received in special education advocacy, and when did you undergo this training?

  • From which organization(s) did you receive your training?

  • How much experience do you have in special education advocacy?

  • Can you provide specific examples of your knowledge of special education laws and regulations?

  • How do you ensure that your explanations of special education laws are clear and understandable?

  • What is your understanding of various teaching methods, and how do you think they apply to special education?

  • Can you explain how to measure a child's progress in school, and how is this information useful in developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?

  • How do you plan to achieve positive results for my child while maintaining a productive working relationship with the school?

  • Are you willing to meet and spend time with my child to better understand their unique needs?

  • How do you plan to individualize my child's education based on their specific circumstances?

  • Are you willing to sign a release form to view my child's school records if necessary?

  • How do you plan to educate and empower me to become a better advocate for my child?

  • What is your availability, and how much time can you commit to working with me? Are you willing to attend meetings at my child’s school?

  • What do you know about my child's specific disability?

  • Do you have experience with other children who have the same type of disability, and do you consider that experience important?

  • Can you share an example of how you successfully worked out a solution with and for other families in the past?

  • Can you provide references from your previous clients?

  • Are you willing to draw up a written agreement outlining what you will do for me?

  • If you charge a fee, what is the specific fee and/or retainer amount, and can we agree on these terms in writing?

  • Under what circumstances can you speak to the school without my permission?

  • Will you return all materials when our collaboration is complete?