Individual Advocacy (Learning Disabilities)

The agency provides education advocacy for low-income families of children with disabilities, grades K through 12, in Los Angeles County. Services include individual advocacy, issue advocacy, system advocacy, special education advocacy, and legal representation. The agency uses a multidisciplinary approach the fields of social work, education, public policy, public health and juvenile justice. In addition, it is a main goal of the agency to train and support parents and families in self-advocacy; teaching parents about the law, about how to support their student in IEP sessions and with school personnel. There are no geographic restrictions.

Individual advocacy is available for children with learning disabilities. The agency works directly with individual students and families whose schools are not providing required services and support.

Issues advocacy is available on special education matters within the foster care system, American Indian reservations, probation facilities, and public or private school settings.

School system advocacy and special education advocacy is available in settings where school districts are not following federal regulations regarding equal access to education by children and youth with disabilities.

Legal Representation is available where needed to obtain equal/appropriate public education. The agency also provides a Tool Kit that contains advocacy information for parents to help them navigate the public education system to obtain required services and support for their children with disabilities.