Below is a list of reputable special education advocacy resources across Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland and Nationally.  

 

Washington, D.C.

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1. Advocates for Justice and Education (AJE) - (https://www.aje-dc.org/). AJE is the federally designated Parent Training and Information Center for D.C., providing families with training, legal advocacy, and resources to navigate special education and health services.([ppmd.org][1])

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2. Office of the Student Advocate (https://studentadvocate.dc.gov/page/special-education-other-school-supports)

This office offers tools, guides, and one-on-one support to help families understand and advocate for their children's educational rights, including special education services.

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3. Children’s Law Center - (https://childrenslawcenter.org/). Provides legal assistance to D.C. families to ensure children receive appropriate educational services and supports, focusing on special education and health care access.

 

Virginia

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1. Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) - (https://peatc.org/). PEATC offers training, information, and support to families and professionals to promote inclusive education and effective parent-school partnerships in Virginia.([Inova][2])

 

2. Disability Law Center of Virginia (dLCV) - (https://www.dlcv.org/special-education). dLCV provides legal advocacy and resources to protect and advance the rights of Virginians with disabilities, including issues related to special education.

 

3. Virginia Family Special Education Connection - (https://vafamilysped.org/). A comprehensive resource for families, offering information on special education processes, rights, and services available throughout Virginia.

 

Maryland

 

1. Parents' Place of Maryland (PPMD) - (https://www.ppmd.org/). PPMD serves as Maryland's Parent Training and Information Center, providing families with resources, training, and support to navigate special education and health services.

 

2. Disability Rights Maryland - (https://disabilityrightsmd.org/special-education/). Offers legal advocacy and information to protect the rights of Marylanders with disabilities, focusing on ensuring access to appropriate educational services.

 

3. Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE) - (https://www.mcie.org/). MCIE works to promote inclusive education practices in Maryland schools, providing training and support to families and educators.

 

[1]: https://www.ppmd.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Parents' Place of Maryland - Maryland's Special Education and ..."

[2]: https://www.inova.org/about-inova/inova-your-community/community-care-inova/care-connection-children/parent-resource-3?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Special Education Resources | Inova”

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National Regional Resources

 

Below is a list of high-impact regional and national organizations that provide excellent resources on special education, disability advocacy, and family support. 

 

1. Wrightslaw - (https://wrightslaw.com). Description: A leading source for accurate, up-to-date information on special education law, education advocacy, and training. The site includes articles, case law, and practical guidance for parents and advocates. Wrightslaw is trusted by advocates and widely used by families nationwide.

 

2. Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) - (https://www.parentcenterhub.org). Description:  A central hub that links to federally funded Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) in every state. CPIR connects families with local advocacy and support services.

 

3. Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) - (https://www.copaa.org). Description:  A national nonprofit that protects the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities and their families. Offers a directory of advocates and attorneys, training events, and policy updates. Great for families needing legal help or professional advocates.

 

4. Understood.org - (https://www.understood.org). Description: Offers user-friendly content, videos, and interactive tools for parents of children with learning and attention issues like ADHD and dyslexia.  Understood.org is extremely accessible and well-designed for parent engagement.

 

5. The ARC of the United States - (https://thearc.org). Description:  National organization advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Offers programs, toolkits, and state/local chapter connections. The ARC provides broad support for both education and transition services.

 

6. National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) - (https://www.ncld.org). Description: Focuses on research, policy, and advocacy to improve education outcomes for individuals with learning and attention issues. NCLD is a solid source for evidence-based practices and current trends.

 

7. PACER Center - (https://www.pacer.org).  Description: Based in Minnesota but nationally recognized, PACER offers family-friendly tools, webinars, and toolkits on IEPs, bullying, transition, and assistive technology. PACER is parent-focused with resources that are easy to share.

 

8. Autism Society - (https://autismsociety.org). Description: Offers resources and referrals for families of children with autism, including education advocacy, transition planning, and behavioral supports. The Autism Society is widely respected and connects to local chapters.