SPECIAL EDUCATION

THE ARC@SCHOOL

The Arc@School advocates for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have access to educational supports and services. The Arc@School is the hub for special education resources including the rights and responsibilities of parents of special needs students and how to be a fierce advocate for each child’s needs. They also provide materials in Spanish.

Website: https://thearcatschool.org/

NORTHWEST JUSTICE PROJECT (NJP)

Northwest Justice Project (NJP) now offers a free special education legal clinic to provide advice about your child’s rights to an education. Attorneys from NJP will meet with you by phone to discuss topics related to your child’s Individualized Education Programs (IEP) or 504 plan, including:

  • Qualifying for services

  • Access to the services you need

  • Discipline of students with an IEP or 504 plan

  • Failure to provide interpreters or translations

  • Discrimination

Appointments can be made Tuesdays from 12-2 PM and Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 PM.

Phone (leave a voicemail to schedule an appointment): (206) 707-7292
Intake Form: https://nwjustice.org/apply-online

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION (OSPI)

Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) offers Special Education Parent Liaison services. The parent liaison is available as a resource to parents in non-legal special education matters to answer questions, provide information and referral, and assist parents to understand complaint processes and district procedures. The Special Education Parent Liaison does not advocate on behalf of any one party.

Phone: (360) 725-6075
Website: http://www.k12.wa.us/SpecialEd/Families/Assistance.aspx

WASHINGTON STATE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF THE EDUCATION OMBUDSMAN (OEO)

The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO) resolves complaints, disputes, and problems between families and WA state elementary and secondary schools. OEO is a statewide agency that functions independently from the public school system. Services are free, confidential, and available for kindergarten through 12th grade. They will intervene in issues like special education and academic progress; bullying, harassment, and cyber bullying; and suspensions and expulsions.

Office of the Education Ombudsman
3518 Fremont Avenue N #349
Seattle, WA 98103

Phone: 1-866-297-2497
Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
Website: http://oeo.wa.gov/

WRIGHTSLAW

Wrightslaw contains accurate, reliable information about special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities. Wrightslaw also provides a free online newsletter. Each issue includes information about special education law, new decisions, research, internet links, and other special education topics.

Website: https://www.wrightslaw.com/

US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS (OCR)

The U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has the authority to resolve complaints and extends to allegations of discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in public and private programs that receive Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Education. These include most schools and colleges and some other entities such as vocational rehabilitation agencies and libraries. OCR also has the authority to resolve complaints of disability discrimination by public education entities and complaints filed under the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act.

If you feel you have been discriminated against on any of these bases by a covered entity, file a complaint using this form.

Phone: (206) 607-1600
Email: OCR.Seattle@ed.gov