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 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.
Are Evaluations Completed After the Workshops?
Yes, we ask that those who register and/or attend the workshops complete an evaluation afterwards. The evaulation form is located HERE.
CURRENT SCHEDULE: “ADVOCACY IN PRACTICE” SERIES
Monday, October 19, 2026: Special Education Myth vs. Fact: What Families Really Need to Know by Tammie Sebastian of DRO
Monday, November 16, 2026: Why Schools Tune You Out and How to Fix It by Mark Weiker of
AW Law
Monday, December 14, 2026: Beyond the Diagnosis: Understanding Educational Eligibility by Elaine Hamilton of OCECD and Tammie Sebastian of DRO
Tuesday, January 19, 2027: Navigating Change: Educational Transitions for Students with Disabilities by Amy Freeman of OCECD
Tuesday, February 16, 2027: Speak Up! Giving Students a Voice in Their Education by Renee Stromski of AW Law
Monday, March 15, 2027: When You and the School Disagree: What Comes Next? by Tammie Sebastian of DRO
Monday, April 19, 2027: From the Classroom to the Supreme Court: The Story of Perez v. Sturgis Public Schools by Mitch Sickon of AW Law
Monday, May 17, 2027: Life After High School: Building Your Ohio Transition Toolkit by DRO, OCECD, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, and Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence
Monday, June 21, 2027: Hot Topics in Special Education: What Families Need to Know by AW Law, DRO, and OCECD
Full workshop descriptions are HERE.
How Do I Sign Up?
To reserve a seat in the workshop, please visit our sign up page: HERE. Please consider that our volunteer attorneys and advocates are graciously volunteering time to help you, so please only reserve a seat in the workshop If you need to cancel a scheduled session, please email elisabeth@education-rights.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.
Sessions will take place in the 2 hours following each monthly workshop. These sessions are 30 minutes each and are scheduled individually when it works best for you and the participating attorney. Schedule an individual guidance session below.
SCHEDULE AN INDIVIDUAL GUIDANCE SESSION
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 Elisabeth Evers at elisabeth@education-rights.com.
RESOURCES PAGE: Special Education Resources for Parents and Guardians
RESEARCH PAGE: Special Education Research Portal for Parents and Guardians