04/05/2026
This could have serious consequences for students with disabilities.
How a SCOTUS decision on birthright citizenship could impact education access
All children, regardless of immigration status, have the right to a free K-12 public education. But without birthright citizenship, access to schools and colleges could get complicated.
03/17/2026
This does not surprise me. Do you think this will work to get and retain teachers and providers?
Special education has become a flash point in negotiations with teachers
With a growing number of students qualifying for special education, teachers are struggling to meet the needs of these students while also dealing with unsustainable caseloads.
03/03/2026
National Call-in Day - March 5th, 2026
Tell Congress: Protect Children with Disabilities, Oppose Moving IDEA out of ED
COPAA is joining advocacy groups across the country on March 5 for a National Call-In Day to oppose moving oversight and administration of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) from the U.S.
Department of Education (ED) to a different federal agency. While there is no announced date for this move, officials have told COPAA they intend to make this change.
You can help by calling your U.S. Senators and U.S. Representative and urge them to tell ED to protect children with disabilities and DO NOT MOVE special education programs such as IDEA, vocational rehabilitation, and OCR out of the Education Department. (We appreciate those who have already emailed Congress, but we urge you to join the CALL-IN to have the most impact on this day!).
Use the links above or call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. Ask to be connected to your Senator(s) and Representative. Once connected, use the suggested script to leave a message with anyone who answers the phone:
Hi, my name is _________ and I live in). I am a (parent of a child with a disability / advocate/concerned community member) calling to express my opposition to the U.S. Department of Education moving special education, vocational rehabilitation, and civil rights functions out of the Education Department. Special education programs are education programs first and should be administered by an agency that focuses on education. Other Departments like Health and Human Services and Labor don’t have experience running education programs that focus on educating and serving students with disabilities. Moving special education programs, vocational rehabilitation and civil rights investigations out of ED will only lead to less educational opportunity for students with disabilities.
I would like the Member of Congress to call the Secretary of Education and ask that special education programs, including vocational rehabilitation and civil rights investigations be kept at the Education Department. [The staffer that answers the phone will reply back to you.]
In closing, say: Please let the Member know how important this issue is to me and to their other constituents who focus on and support children with disabilities and their families. Thank you for your time.
COPAA thanks you in advance. Please share this news and script with others!
02/08/2026
I love COPAA. So happy to be a member.
01/16/2026
This is a great way to learn what is in the proposed state budget that may affect our kids. Chris explains things so well!
08/27/2025
Learn how to create a Parent Report!
I am inviting you to a Zoom meeting on September 4th at 7:00pm
This event is free to current clients.
The cost is $20.00 for those who are not clients so feel free to share with your friends and community.
What is a parent report?
Parent reports are a fantastic way to share with the IEP Team information about your child.
This is a way to show the IEP Team a more holistic view of your child. It also helps remind them that your child is far more than data and assessments.
RSVP to [email protected]
The Zoom link will be sent out when we get closer to the date.
Send a message to learn more
08/03/2025
Learn how to create a Parent Report! -
Learn how to create a Parent Report!
The new school year is here! Creating an info sheet about your child and sharing with their new classroom teachers is a great way to get the year started off on a positive note!To schedule a time to meet with me please use this link: https://live.vcita.com/site/btm3bmxwr3ggpueo/online-scheduling
06/12/2025
This is great news!
COPAA Celebrates Landmark Win for Students with Disabilities Subjected to Discrimination in School - Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc.
COPAA celebrates a major victory for students with disabilities and their families. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 9-0 on June 12, 2025 in A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools in favor of the family of a student with a disability, holding that “ADA and [Section 504] Rehabilitation Act claims based on edu...