Updated: Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018
Under IDEA and its regulations, specifically 34 CFR 300.507(b), an LEA must inform a parent of any free or low-cost legal or other relevant services available in the area, upon request or upon the parent’s filing a due process complaint. The following is a list of organizations, compiled by the Office of Dispute Resolution, which make available free legal services to parents of students with disabilities. Whether legal services will be provided to any particular parent will, of course, be dependent upon each agency’s policies and procedures and its review of each individual case.
Here are the organizations providing free legal services to parents of students with disabilities:
Advocates for Justice in Education
25 E St. NW, Third Floor
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 678-8060
(202) 678-8062 (fax)
Those in need of legal assistance can call the main number. They will be routed to an intake person who will talk with them about their legal needs.
Children’s Law Center
501 Third St. NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 467-4900 / Option 3
Those in need of legal assistance can call the main number and press “4” to speak with the helpline attorney. The helpline attorney will conduct an intake with them.
Disability Rights Law Clinic
American University Washington College of Law
4300 Nebraska Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 274-4148
Those in need of legal assistance can call the main number and ask for assistance with a special education matter. They will be transferred to the Disability Rights Clinic and an intake will be conducted.
Juvenile and Special Education Law Clinic
UDC David A. Clarke School of Law
4340 Connecticut Ave. NW Room 301
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 274-5073
(202) 274-7314
Those seeking legal assistance in a special education matter can contact a clinical paralegal who will conduct an intake with them.
University Legal Services
Disability Rights DC
220 I St. NE, Suite 130
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 547-0198 ext. 135
Those in need of legal assistance can dial the main number and ask for assistance with a special education matter. They will be transferred to someone who will conduct an intake with them.
Related Content: Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR)