#AdvocacyMatters: Identifying Obstacles, Amplifying Solutions

January 28, 2022 / #AdvocacyMatters

For nearly two full years, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a disruptive force in education. The disproportionate way it has affected students with disabilities created an ever-growing barrier between many students and the free and appropriate education to which they are entitled.

After a successful introduction in mid-2021, we are thrilled to again partner with The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities and Albeit Weiker LLP to present the next phase of our Free Special Education Legal Clinics. These events offer students and parents the opportunity to learn about complex topics surrounding the world of special education, while also allowing them to connect directly with an expert, attorney, or advocate in the field for one-on-one, individualized guidance.

Response to the first round of these events was remarkable: informational posts about the Free Special Education Legal Clinics on our Facebook page made up the top three of our most widely seen posts in all of last year, and four of the top-performing six. Connecting that type of response and reaction to our work, it’s obvious that these clinics are meeting a huge need within our communities.

On February 14th, the next phase of these events will begin. Now taking place on the second Monday of every month at 7 p.m., each clinic will again present a group workshop on a topic vital to families navigating special education during these challenging times. The clinics will also feature open Q&A sessions with a panel of experts, and the opportunity for individual guidance sessions. The diverse range of topics being covered can be seen here:

  • Feb. 14: OCECD: Who We Are and What We Do
  • March 14: Reducing Barriers Through Advocacy – Tips for Parents from OCECD
  • April 11: Autism Awareness by OCECD
  • May 9: Parent/Professional Communication by OCECD
  • June 13: Understanding AD/HD by OCECD
  • August 8: English and Spanish Services and Supports by OCECD

With support materials now becoming available in multiple languages, our goal remains to reach as many students and families in our communities as possible. Because #AdvocacyMatters, we’ll continue pursuing partnerships and opportunities not just to create – but amplify - solutions that address today’s challenging special education landscape. You can learn more about the clinics and register at lawyers4students.com/legalclinic.

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