“The greatest benefit of COPAA is the collaboration of seasoned professionals in Special Education Advocacy. The information I receive from the COPAA network makes the difference in whether a child I represent is able to go to school the next day, be safe from abuse in the name of treatment, or receive high quality educational services and supports.”
The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. (COPAA) is an independent, nonprofit, §501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization of attorneys, advocates, parents and other professionals. COPAA members work to protect special education rights and secure excellence in education on behalf of the 7.1 million children with disabilities in America.
With over 1200 members nationwide, COPAA is at the forefront of special education advocacy.
Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) over three decades ago “to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education . . . designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.” While many students with disabilities receive a good education, far too many receive an education that is weak and inadequate. Congress envisioned parents as equal partners in developing their children’s educational programs; however, parents are often unable to participate meaningfully in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process or exercise their rights without representation. They face a playing field that is neither level nor fair.
COPAA is committed to increasing the quality and quantity of special education advocates and attorneys, and creating a level playing field to ensure children with disabilities receive the high-quality education to which all children are entitled.
Find Attorney/Advocate in the COPAA Member Directory. Parents who are looking to find a special education attorney or a special education advocate may look up referrals in the COPAA Member Directory. This directory is to serve as a resource for members and the public to find attorneys, advocates and other professional who belong to COPAA and advocate on behalf of children with disabilities.
COPAA focuses on the rights of children who receive special education services and supports, and who are eligible to be served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other statutes. This includes working to ensure that children with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). COPAA endeavors to improve the quality and quantity of legal assistance for parents of children with disabilities. COPAA does not represent individual parents but provides a network to assist, train, and inform advocates, attorneys, parents, and other professionals.