Is there an organization that can help me with my child's IEP

My child's IEP is coming up soon. I would like to have a legal advocate there with me. Is there an organization that can help me with this?

There are a number of special education advocacy services in the Los Angeles area. A great resource that would be able to refer you to an appropriate advocate is your local Regional Center. In addition, a great internet resource is ISER (Internet Special Education Resources). They provide a nationwide directory of special education advocacy services (www.iser.com/CAadvocacy.html). I was told by another parent that my child might qualify for something called "Regional Center." What is this, and how can I find out if they can help us?

Regional Centers are community based organizations which contract with the State Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to coordinate the services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

The services provided by a regional center will include:

  • information and referrals
  • assessment and diagnosis
  • counseling
  • lifelong individualized planning and service coordination
  • assistance in finding other community resources
  • advocacy for the protection of legal rights
  • early intervention services for at risk infants and their families (Early Start Program)
  • planning, placement, and monitoring of out-of-home care
  • community education about developmental disabilities

To find out more about Regional Centers, please contact your local center:

  • Printer-friendly version
  • share

 

 

Nathanson Family Resource Center at UCLA