A curated directory of special education advocates, legal resources, and support organizations serving California families.
California's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) serving Orange County and surrounding regions. Provides free training, information, and support to families of children with disabilities.
Serves families statewide through online resources and training. Physical office in Anaheim.
Parent Training and Information Center serving the North Bay and broader California. Provides advocacy support, workshops, and individualized assistance to families navigating special education.
Serves families statewide through online resources. Workshops available virtually.
California's federally designated Protection and Advocacy organization. Provides free legal advocacy and representation to people with disabilities, including special education advocacy and due process support.
Has regional offices across California. Intake process required; not all cases can be accepted.
Special Education Local Plan Area serving Ventura County school districts. Administers special education services and provides the PSW (Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses) model for identifying learning disabilities.
Contact SELPA for questions about district eligibility decisions, the PSW model, and mediation options in Ventura County.
Ventura County's educational service agency overseeing special education programs and providing support services to local school districts.
VCOE directly operates programs for students with low-incidence disabilities and provides oversight to member districts.
State agency responsible for administering California's special education programs under IDEA. Provides policy guidance, technical assistance, and oversees compliance statewide.
For parents, the CDE website has complaint procedures, policy letters, and the State Mediation Program.
California's neutral agency for special education due process hearings. If you disagree with your school district's decision about your child's IEP or eligibility, you can file for a due process hearing here.
OAH also administers the State Mediation Program. Mediation is free and voluntary. Due process filings have strict timelines.
National law and policy center advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities through education, advocacy, and law. Provides legal advice, training, and policy advocacy on special education and disability rights.
Based in Berkeley, CA. Offers legal referrals and parent training. Check website for current intake status.
Provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals and families in Southern California, including special education advocacy and representation.
Income eligibility requirements apply. Serves Ventura, Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties.
Free, voluntary mediation program administered by the California Department of Education to help resolve special education disputes between families and school districts without going to a formal hearing.
Either party (parent or district) may request mediation. Mediators are neutral. This does not waive your right to a due process hearing.
National membership organization of special education attorneys, advocates, and parents. COPAA's attorney referral directory helps families find qualified special education lawyers and advocates in their area.
Use the 'Find an Attorney or Advocate' search tool on the COPAA website to locate professionals in California.
Note: This directory is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or legal advice. Verify contact information before reaching out.