Special Education is another process which can be overwhelming to learn what your rights are and what steps you can take if you feel your child’s rights have been violated. It can also be difficult for parents to know if they should seek special education advocacy services or handle a contentious situation themselves.

Disability Rights has a fantastic free resource on the regulations that govern special education. The resource is named Special Education Rights and Responsibilities (SERR) and is an invaluable tool. The format is question and answer and gives the Education Code to reference where the answer can be found. It also has sample letters in the Appendix Section to help you with your requests.

ABA Innovations – Imari Nicoloff, Ed.D
760-702-7280
[email protected]
ABA Innovations is a full-service Educational Consultation business.

Advocates for Angels
http://advocatesforangels.com
Advocates for Angels provide experienced advocates/consultants to work with families to ensure their child receives an appropriate education to meet their unique needs in the least restrictive environment. Will attend IEP, 504, SST meetings, conflict resolution and mediations. Valerie’s innovative e-learning programs help parents become more knowledgeable, confident and effective advocates to create powerful shifts in the special education system.

American Advocacy Group
2082 Business Center Dr. Ste 235, Irvine, CA
877-762-0702
www.americanadvocacygroup.com
Assists with first-class, affordable advocacy services that benefit individuals diagnosed with developmental and physical disabilities and their families. Their goal is to take quality time to get to know your family and to offer you options that will best meet your family‘s needs. Provides advocacy services in In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), IHSS Appeals, Conservatorship, Educational Advocacy, IEP services and Due Process Representation. Free consultations and Spanish speaking staff available.

AOTS Group dba Pathway to Advocacy
41593 Winchester Rd., Temecula, CA
951–251-4437
[email protected]
https://www.pathwaytoadvocacy.com/
Educational Consultant providing Special Education Advocacy, Dispute Resolution Consulting, and Training. Vendored with Inland Regional Center as an Independent Facilitator (IF) for Self-Determination Program (SDP) too.

Brian Allen
661-264-7351
[email protected]
Educational Advocate with over 18 years of experience with IEPs, 504s, Inland Regional Center and IHSS

California Department of Education
https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/sr/iepresources.asp
Resources on individualized education programs (IEPs) to improve instruction, assessment, and accountability for students with disabilities.

Community Access Center
6848 Magnolia Avenue, Suite 150, Riverside CA; 951– 274-0358
74-390 Hwy 111, Suite A, Palm Desert, CA; 760– 568-9301
www.ilcac.org
Provides the following Services: individual advocacy, information, and referral, Technology Evaluation Computer Center, and ADA compliance reviews. Will attend IEPs or IPPs for Regional Center.

Disability Rights California
3602 Inland Empire Blvd, Suite C-150, Ontario, CA 91764
909- 383-1133
https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/what-we-do/programs/office-of-clients-rights-advocacy-ocra
Disability Rights California, a federally mandated, non-profit organization established to protect and advocate for the human, civil, and service rights of Californians with developmental disabilities. Staffed by attorneys and advocates, they have the most comprehensive collection of information related to California Special Education, including an online version of “Special Education Rights and Responsibilities.” Publications are available in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Spanish, and many other languages.
https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/publications/serr-special-education-rights-and-responsibilities

Know IEPs? Dr. Sarah Pelangka, Ph D, BCBA-D, E.S.C.
310–597-0060
[email protected]
https://knowieps.com
Dr. Pelangka is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctorate (BCBA-D) and has worked in special education for 18+ years. She offers training for families and professionals in a variety of areas, including behavior support and IEP/Special Education knowledge. She can also serve as an independent assessor in the following areas: Functional Behavior Assessment, Aide Assessment, and Inclusion Assessment. Bilingual services are offered and there is a free initial 15-minute consultation.

Office of Administrative Hearing
https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OAH/Case-Types/Special-Education/Resources/Advocate-List
Maintains a directory of advocates who self-identify as providing Special Education services across California at low or no cost.

Peter Attwood
Educational Advocate
951-897-1721
[email protected]
He does IEPs, and looks over assessments and pursue IEEs when called for. Files complaints as needed, attends resolution sessions and mediation, and does other preliminary work before hearing.

Samantha Morton-Morton Advocacy Group
[email protected]
https://www.mortonadvocacygroup.com/
Samantha received a Certificate of Completion in Special Education Law and Advocacy and has been serving the local special needs community as an Educational Advocate for more than 15 years. Free consultation available.

Sandi Ames
949-351-6380
Irvine, CA
[email protected]
Focuses on collaborating with the student’s IEP team while providing parents with the assistance they need to ensure their child receives the services and support necessary to develop to their fullest potential. Workshops are offered at no cost on several topics, including Parents as Partners, navigating the IEP process, Self Determination, Person-Centered Planning, and Legal Rights and Resources.

State Council on Developmental Services (SCDD)
685 East Hospitality Lane, Suite 125, San Bernardino, CA
909-890-1259
www.scdd.ca.gov
Established by state and federal law as an independent state agency to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the services and supports they need. Provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities; advocates for coordinated, comprehensive community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance and works to ensure full access to these services.

Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK)
www.taskca.org
951- 328-1200
6848 Magnolia Ave, Ste. 150, Riverside, CA
We help families understand their rights, requesting assessments, strategies for preparing for the Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 Plans, Transition Planning and Services, Alternative and Augmentative Communication, Assistive Technology among other things. We do not attend IEPs on parents’ behalf but provide information, training, and resources so that parents can better help themselves. 

TODEC
https://todec.org/resources/
(951) 943-1955
TODEC ensures equitable access to information, immigration legal services, community education, advocacy, and civic engagement for limited and non-English speaking people including immigrants and migrant workers throughout Riverside, San Bernardino, Inyo, and Imperial counties.

ADAMS ESQ
8880 Rio San Diego, Suite 800, San Diego, CA 92501
951-686-6899 or 866-477-3352
[email protected]
www.adamsesq.com
Jean Murrell Adams opened the law firm of ADAMS ESQ in October of 2002. Ms. Adams' experiences in advocating for a child with exceptional needs compelled her to establish a special education law practice. Over 25 attorneys, advocates and staff of ADAMS ESQ are committed to improving the lives of children with disabilities by advocating for a free and appropriate education. ADAMS ESQ has expanded to six locations throughout California and Nevada. Offers free consultations and fee waiver for qualifying families.

Amster Law Firm
213-444-6028
[email protected]
www.amsterlawfirm.com
Located in Los Angeles, California, Amster Law Firm represents individuals with special needs in special education, Regional Center and In-Home Supportive Services matters. Amster Law Firm is committed to a person-centered approach. Age, race, gender, income, educational level, and/or English proficiency should not determine which services an individual with special needs receives. Offers free consultations.

A2Z Educational Advocates
1634 19th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404
https://www.a2zedad.com/
310-573-1430
A2Z Educational Advocates is a Special Education law firm located in Southern California. Our office supports families of students with disabilities in obtaining special education services for their children. We help parents navigate the maze of school districts and the special education process, including the assessment process, Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings, compliance complaints, mediation, Due Process hearings, and beyond. limited bilingual staff available.

Augustin Egelsee
8141 East Kaiser Blvd., Suite 315, Anaheim Hills, CA 92808
714-602-1498
www.ockidslaw.com
The attorneys at Augustin Egelsee, LLP have over 40 years of combined legal experience, helping parents obtain the services and programs their children are entitled to receive. Has extensive experience advocating for special needs programs in Southern California. Also focuses on discipline, suspension, and involuntary transfers for Special and general education. Offers Free Consultation. Spanish speaking legal assistants: Sylvia Armas and Aly Lopez.

California Special Needs Law Group
Attorneys: Richard L. Isaacs and Linaja Mikalonis
Paralegal and Advocate: Julie Levy
333 Michelson Drive, Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92612
714-251-6530
[email protected]
www.csnlg.com
Provides legal services at an affordable cost. This helps in filling the void for families who cannot afford a typical attorney but who also do not qualify for legal aid services. Educates clients on the IEP process, so they feel emboldened and confident to address their child's educational needs without an attorney in the future.

Counsel for Kids
122 Stallion, Suite G, Irvine, CA 92602
626-340-6024
www.counselforkids.com
Counsel for Kids is dedicated to assisting all families with a wide variety of educational needs.  Assists with the representation of students throughout Due Process Proceedings, including Resolution Sessions, Mediations, and Due Process Hearings. Provides representation at IEP meetings, Manifestation Determinations, Disciplinary/Expulsion Proceedings, and Admission Hearings. Offers free consultation and file review.

Economou Law Group
536 E. Rowland St., Suite B, Covina, CA 91723
626–765-9607
[email protected]
http://economoulawgroup.com
Free consultations and file reviews are offered for all matters handled, including both educational issues and estate planning matters. They have extensive experience with several schools' districts in the Southern CA area in all concerns regarding education, including special education matters, school discipline, inter/intra District transfers and much more.

Inland Counties Legal Services Inc.
Ontario | Riverside | Victorville
888-245-4257
[email protected]
www.inlandlegal.org
The Education Team assists students entitled to special education or disability rights by acting against school districts to preserve their rights and keep students in public schools. ICLS handles the following education-related issues: Discipline, including suspension and expulsion, enforcement of special education/disability rights, which includes homeless students being denied access to education, foster students with special education issues, or other situations in which child is being denied a right to an education. ICLS provides free legal services to residents that are low income, seniors and with disabilities. Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Spanish speaking staff and free consultation available.

Law Office of Devon Rios
8605 Santa Monica Blvd., PMB 36132, West Hollywood, CA 90069
323-530-0560
[email protected]
https://www.devonriosapc.com
This law firm is dedicated to empowering your child's education with personalized and easily accessible legal support. They represent and consult with families at all stages of the IEP process, from initial assessments to IEP meetings to due process hearings and federal court appeals. Offers flat fee consultation services, allowing you to have an attorney in your corner for any curve balls the school year might bring.

Law Office of Linsey L. Krauss, A Professional Law Corporation
2834 Hamner Ave, #140, Norco, CA 92860
[email protected]
951-525-7238
https://llkrausslaw.com/
Helping parents understand their rights to ensure their child receives appropriate educational services. Practice areas: IEPs, 504 Plans, Due Process, Mediation and Manifestation Determinations. Works with families in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Please contact our office for a free consultation.

Law Offices of Liu & Naime
8291 Utica Ave., Suite 100, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
877-253-8529
www.liunaime.com/
Full-service law firm practicing in Personal Injury Law, Special Education Law, Sexual Abuse and Wrongful Death. Offers free consultations and has extensive experience in supporting kids with special needs, IEP's, civil lawsuits, and due process hearings. Spanish speaking staff available.

Law Offices of Sarah M. Gross
16 N. Marengo Avenue, Suite 406, Pasadena, CA 91101
909-202-4557
[email protected]
www.sarahgrosslaw.com/
Sarah's mission is to help children get the education they deserve throughout Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles Counties. She is committed to providing thorough and thoughtful special education legal representation, always tailored to the unique needs of each client. Sarah firmly believes that every parent experiencing a legal issue regarding their child's special education services deserves not only the best legal advice and representation possible, but for it to be provided with empathy, compassion, and respect during a challenging time. Free 30-m-inute consultations available by phone or video conference.

Law Office of Steven Catron
www.scatronlaw.com/
P.O. Box 2204, Blue Jay, California 92317
909-454-6271
[email protected]
Steven Catron specializes in representing children with disabilities to access a free appropriate public education. He represent families throughout the IEP process, from identifying needed assessments or independent evaluations, to representing families at IEP meetings or throughout due process proceedings. As an educator turned special education attorney, he brings a wealth of knowledge to help families navigate school systems. Offers free consultations.

Law Offices of Vivian Obiamalu, Esq.
2102 Business Center Drive, Suite 130, Irvine, CA 92612
949-424-2209
[email protected]
https://vobiamaluesq.com/
Vivian Obiamalu, Esq., advocates for children with special needs to ensure they access the education they need and deserve. Our law firm offers full-service counseling and representation to get special education services including representation at all levels including Disciplinary issues, Placement, Reasonable accommodation, Individualized education program (IEP), Interrelated Classroom, Mediation and Due process complaints/hearings.

Office of Clients Rights Advocate (OCRA)- Inland Regional Center
3602 Inland Empire Blvd., Suite C-150, Ontario, CA 91764
[email protected]
909- 383-1133
https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/what-we-do/programs/office-of-clients-rights-advocacy-ocra
As a client of Regional Center, the Clients Rights Advocate (CRA) may be able to help answer questions or refer you to another resource in administrative hearings in regards to schools, Social Security, Medi-Cal, neglect, rehabilitation, mental health, discrimination, Regional Centers, In-Home Services, private insurance, guardianship, abuse, day care, criminal matters, personal autonomy, and conservatorship and Alternatives. The Advocate decides which cases they will represent based on the merits of the claim, the ability to advocate for yourself, availability of OCRA resources, and other advocacy sources.

Slovak, Baron, Empey, Murphy, & Pinkney- SBEMP, Attorneys LLP
303 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262|760-322-2275
74774 Hwy 111, Indian Wells, CA 92210|760-322-9240
https://sbemp.com/practice-areas/special-needs-disability-healthcare-access/
SBEMP's Special Needs & Elder Law practice group provides representation and advocacy for individuals and families with special needs due to disability or age. Offers a broad range of services, including Special needs trusts (SNT), guardianships & conservatorships, and conservatorship accountings, Access to federal and state disability-based programs, Medicaid planning, Medicaid, Medicare, and private health insurance coverage and Special Education. Free 10-minute consultation.

Special Education Kids Attorney-Terri Palmquist
949-257-2310
[email protected]
https://specialedkidsattorney.com/
Special educational kids' attorney is passionate about helping low-income children with special needs. Handles cases throughout the Inland Empire and San Diego County. Se habla Español.

Tsadik Law
1003 Wilshire Blvd. Suite #205 Santa Monica CA 90401
213-677-0999
https://tsadiklaw.com/los-angeles-special-education/
Tsadik Law is a special education law firm based in Los Angeles. Its goal is to provide expert legal representation to legal guardians and parents of children with special educational needs. Has a long history of representing clients in the special education field. Free consultation available.

Woodsmall Law Group, Mark Woodsmall, Attorney at Law
2076 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103
626-440-0028
https://www.woodsmalllawgroup.com/
Provides experienced, practical, and sophisticated representation in matters related to the educational and community access rights of the special needs child. Practices in the areas of Special Education, IDEA & Section 504 Claims, Rights Under the Lanterman Act/Regional Center, and Civil Litigation. Spanish-speaking staff available. Free consultation available.

Wrightslaw
www.wrightslaw.com
Online information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities. Consultation with Pete Wright, Esquire, available for a fee.