Special Education Legal Clinic
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Special Education Legal Clinic
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.
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 Abdnour Weiker, LLP. 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 Abdnour Weiker, LLP (Watch)
Monday, October 21, 2024: Charting the Life Course by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) (Watch)
Monday, November 18, 2024: Hot Topics in Special Education by DRO, OCECD, and Abdnour Weiker, LLP (Watch)
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 Abdnour Weiker, LLP
Tuesday, February 18, 2025: Aide Support and Related Services: Legal Requirements and Practical Solutions by Abdnour Weiker, LLP
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 Abdnour Weiker, LLP
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 Abdnour Weiker, LLP
How Do I Sign Up?
To reserve a seat in the workshop and/or schedule an individual guidance session, please COMPLETE THE SHORT FORM AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE. Please consider that our volunteer attorneys and advocates are graciously volunteering time to help you, so please only reserve a seat in the workshop or schedule an individual guidance session if you are confident that you can attend. If you need to cancel a scheduled session, please email mark@awlawohio.com with as much advanced notice as possible.
Where is the Clinic Located?
We are currently only offering the Clinic virtually.
What is an Individual Guidance Session?
An individual guidance session includes a one-on-one review of your situation with an advocate or attorney. In the session, we first identify what unique challenges you are having with your school, the special education services being provided, or in the special education process generally. Next, we identify the school’s obligations under relevant laws, regulations or school policies. Finally, we provide guidance on the steps you can take to resolve the issue(s), including how to request and/or obtain the appropriate services, file a complaint, or request intervention or support from the Department of Education.
These sessions are 30 minutes each and are scheduled individually when it works best for you and the participating attorney. Request a session using the form below.
Can I Attend Virtually?
Yes. We are currently only holding the Clinic virtually via Zoom. You will receive a link to the workshop the week of the event. If you sign up for an individual guidance session, you will receive a confirmation with a date and time, and a separate (private) link for the session.
What if I Have Additional Questions?
For questions or to cancel a scheduled session, email Mark Weiker, Esq. at mark@education-rights.com.
RESOURCES PAGE: Special Education Resources for Parents and Guardians
RESEARCH PAGE: Special Education Research Portal for Parents and Guardians
COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW TO ATTEND A WORKSHOP AND/OR SCHEDULE AN INDIVIDUAL GUIDANCE SESSION