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The Busy Family’s Guide to School
Special Education / Ages 2-18

How to Get Legal Support for Special Education in California

If you’ve been advocating for your child’s special education rights but not getting the response you need, it might be time for legal support. Here’s how to find it.

If your child has a disability that affects their experience in school, their rights are protected under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act. But advocating for and accessing those rights can be challenging. Your school or district might argue that your child needs less support, or they might not want to start the evaluation process at all. Having an expert to help navigate the law in these situations can be helpful. Unfortunately, it can also be expensive. We’ve compiled a list of local resources to help you access legal support for free, if you need it.

The following organizations provide free legal advice, resources, and even representation (for some, but not all, eligible cases). You can access this support regardless of your family’s immigration status.

Disability Rights California


Support for Families of Children with Disabilities

  • Phone: (415) 920-5040

  • Submit an online intake form

  • Visit the office (appointments recommended but not required)

  • Languages spoken: English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish,

  • Recommended for: special education advocacy for families in the Bay Area


Community Alliance for Special Education (CASE)

  • Request a free phone consultation

  • Phone: (415) 431-2285

  • Languages spoken: English, Spanish

  • Recommended for: special education advocacy, IEP consultation, file review (for ex., school or medical records)

Recommended Resources

A Day In Our Shoes

This is a comprehensive resource for parents navigating the IEP process. As the site says, “Don’t IEP alone.”
The Understood.org logo

Understood

Our first stop for anything related to learning differences. This is a great place to look for initial guidance if you have questions about your child’s social-emotional development or their learning needs.

Related Resources

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School Enrollment / Early Childhood Learning / Special Education / Ages 2 - 4

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Early Childhood Learning / Special Education / Ages 2 - 7

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