Special Education Legal Clinic
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The Special Education Legal Clinic offers parents and guardians an opportunity to meet with a special education advocate or attorney in an open and welcoming environment to ask questions and discuss specific challenges related to education. Clinic staff members and volunteers will help guide parents and guardians through the special education process and provide resources to request and secure special education services.
The Clinic includes a group workshop followed by a Q&A panel from special education professionals. Attendees may participate in-person or virtually. Free 30-minute individual guidance sessions with attorneys are available for scheduling as well.
Is the Clinic Free?
Yes, thanks to our volunteers, interns and agency partners, the Clinic is entirely free. This includes all workshops, panels and individual guidance sessions offered on the day of the Clinic. (Volunteer and Intern Roster)
Who is Offering the Clinic?
The Clinic is a public-private collaboration between three independent organizations, including Disability Rights Ohio, the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children With Disabilities, and AW Law. The Clinic is staffed by volunteer attorneys, advocates, law students and interns.
Who Would Benefit from Attending?
Parents/guardians of children with disabilities (ages 3-26) would benefit, along with educators at all levels.
When Is the Clinic Open?
Third Mondays of each month from Noon-1pm (unless otherwise noted). The schedule is as follows:
Noon to 1pm: Group Workshop for parents and educators (full workshop schedule below). Last 15 minutes of the workshop includes a Q&A panel of special education attorneys.
Individual Guidance Sessions with Attorneys: From 1pm-3pm immediately following the Group Workshop.
CURRENT SCHEDULE: ADVANCING ADVOCACY SERIES
Monday September 16, 2024: Navigating Transportation Challenges in Special Education by AW Law
Monday, October 21, 2024: Charting the Life Course by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW)
Monday, November 18, 2024: Hot Topics in Special Education by DRO, OCECD, and AW Law
Monday, December 16, 2024: Family Engagement in Special Education by the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center
Tuesday, January 21, 2025: Year in Review: Critical Developments in 2024 Special Education Case Law by AW Law
Tuesday, February 18, 2025: Aide Support and Related Services: Legal Requirements and Practical Solutions by AW Law
Monday, March 17, 2025: Attendance, Truancy, and Discipline: What Parents Need to Know by Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO)
Monday, April 21, 2025: The Science of Reading by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
Monday, May 19, 2025: Children Transitioning from Early Intervention to Preschool by OCECD
Monday, June 16, 2025: Addressing Bullying and Harassment of Special Education Students by AW Law
Monday, July 21, 2025: Empowering Families and Advocating for Literacy Needs by OCECD and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
Monday, August 18, 2025: Planning Ahead: Private Insurance Coverage and Healthcare Transitions for Special Needs Families by AW Law