Advocates and free help
Parent centers, disability rights agencies and advocacy groups in every state. Most of this help is free.
Who can help at school
You can bring anyone who knows your child to an IEPIndividualized Education Program: a written plan for a child's special education services at school. meeting. These are the people families call most:
Parent centers
Every state has at least one federally funded Parent Training and Information Center. Free help with IEPs, meetings and disagreements.
Disability rights agencies
Each state's Protection and Advocacy agency gives free legal advocacy, often for discipline, placement and rights cases.
Advocacy groups
Parent-led groups and nonprofits, like Decoding Dyslexia and Arc chapters, that know your state's schools.
Private advocates and attorneys
Paid help for complex cases. Advocates are not licensed, so ask about training and references.
Free help, state by state
Open your state. Parent centers marked with counties serve part of the state; the others serve everyone.
Alabama (1 parent center, 2 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Alabama Parent Education Center (APEC)
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Wetumpka
(334) 567-2252
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Tuscaloosa
(205) 348-4928
Advocacy groups
- Family Voices of Alabama
Nonprofit organization, Montgomery
Serves: Statewide
(877) 771-3862 - Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
Alaska (2 parent centers, 2 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- LINKS Mat-Su
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), Wasilla
(907) 373-3632 - Stone Soup Group
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Anchorage
(907) 561-3701
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Law Center of Alaska
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Anchorage
(907) 565-1002
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia Alaska
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Southcentral Foundation
Tribal health program
Arizona (1 parent center, 4 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Encircle Families (formerly Raising Special Kids)
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Phoenix
(602) 242-4366
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Arizona
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Tucson
(520) 327-9547
Advocacy groups
- Autism Society Greater Phoenix
Nonprofit organization, Surprise
Serves: Greater Phoenix
(480) 779-0899 - Autism Society Southern Arizona
Nonprofit organization, Tucson
Serves: Southern Arizona
(520) 770-1541 - Decoding Dyslexia Arizona
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Tucson CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Tucson
Arkansas (1 parent center, 3 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Center for Exceptional Families
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Jonesboro
(870) 336-3012
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Arkansas
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Little Rock
(501) 296-1775
Advocacy groups
- Arkansas Disability Coalition
Nonprofit organization, Bryant
Serves: Statewide
(501) 614-7020 - Decoding Dyslexia Arkansas
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Learning Disabilities Association of Arkansas
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
California (10 parent centers, 8 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- CARES (California Hands and Voices)
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), San Diego
(858) 432-3238 - Chinese Parents Association for the Disabled
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), San Gabriel
Serves: Los Angeles County; Orange County
(626) 307-3837 - Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF)
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Berkeley
Serves: Alameda County; Contra Costa County; Amador County; Alpine County; Butte County; Calaveras County; Colusa County; Del Norte County; El Dorado County; Glenn County; Humboldt County; Lake County; Lassen County; Mendocino County; Modoc County; Nevada County; Placer County; Plumas County; Sacramento County; San Joaquin County; Shasta County; Sierra County; Siskiyou County; Stanislaus County; Sutter County; Tehama County; Trinity County; Tuolumne County; Yolo County; Yuba County
(510) 644-2555 - Exceptional Parents Unlimited
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Fresno
Serves: Fresno County; Inyo County; Kern County; Kings County; Madera County; Mariposa County; Merced County; Mono County; San Luis Obispo County; Santa Barbara County; Tulare County; Ventura County
(559) 229-2000 - Fiesta Educativa
Parent Center (type not stated on CPIR list), Los Angeles
(323) 221-6696 - MATRIX Parent Network and Resource Center
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), San Rafael
Serves: Marin County; Napa County; Solano County; Sonoma County
(415) 884-3535 - Parents Helping Parents
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), San Jose
Serves: Monterey County; San Benito County; San Mateo County; Santa Clara County; Santa Cruz County
(408) 727-5775 - ParentsCAN
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), Napa
Serves: Napa County
(707) 253-7444 - Support for Families of Children with Disabilities
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), San Francisco
(415) 920-5040 - TASK
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Alhambra
Serves: Los Angeles County; Imperial County; Orange County; Riverside County; San Bernardino County; San Diego County
(626) 300-1043
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights California
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Sacramento
(916) 504-5800
Advocacy groups
- CHADD of California
Nonprofit organization, Sherman Oaks
Serves: Statewide - Decoding Dyslexia California
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Family Voices of California, Support for Families of Children with Disabilities
Nonprofit organization, San Francisco
Serves: Statewide
(415) 282-7494 - Learning Disabilities Association of California
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide - Learning Rights Law Center
Legal aid nonprofit
Serves: Southern California - Public Counsel, Education Advocacy
Legal aid nonprofit
Serves: Los Angeles County - South Bay / So. CA CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Palos Verdes Estates - Stanford Youth and Education Law Project
Law school clinic
Serves: San Francisco Bay Area
Colorado (2 parent centers, 6 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- PEAK Parent Center
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Colorado Springs
(719) 531-9400 - Show and Tell
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), Aurora
(303) 632-6840
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Justice
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Denver
(303) 722-0300
Advocacy groups
- Autism Society Boulder County
Nonprofit organization, Boulder
Serves: Boulder County
(720) 272-8231 - Decoding Dyslexia Colorado
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Family Voices Colorado
Nonprofit organization, Denver
Serves: Statewide
(303) 877-1747 - Parent to Parent of Colorado (Ability Connection Colorado)
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
(303) 691-9339 - The Arc Pikes Peak Region
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Pikes Peak region - The Arc of Larimer County
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Larimer County
Connecticut (2 parent centers, 6 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- AFCAMP, Hartford-New Haven
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), Hartford
(860) 548-9959 - Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC)
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), New London
(860) 739-3089
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Connecticut
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Hartford
(860) 297-4300
Advocacy groups
- CHADD of Connecticut
Nonprofit organization, Ridgefield
Serves: Statewide - Center for Children's Advocacy
Legal aid nonprofit
Serves: Statewide - Decoding Dyslexia Connecticut
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide - Learning Disabilities Association of Connecticut
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide - PATH CT
Nonprofit organization, Northford
Serves: Statewide
(203) 234-9554
Delaware (1 parent center, 3 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Parent Information Center of Delaware (PIC)
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Wilmington
(888) 547-4412
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Delaware/CLASI
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Wilmington
(302) 575-0660
Ombudsman
- Delaware Public Education Ombudsperson Program (DPEOP)
Education Ombudsman Office
Advocacy groups
- CHADD of Delaware
Nonprofit organization, Wilmington
Serves: Statewide - Decoding Dyslexia Delaware
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Delaware Family Voices
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
(302) 669-3030
District of Columbia (1 parent center, 5 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Advocates for Justice and Education, Inc.
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Washington
(202) 678-8060
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- University Legal Services
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Washington
(202) 547-0198
Ombudsman
- DC Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education
Education Ombudsman Office, Washington
(202) 741-0886
Advocacy groups
- Children's Law Center
Legal aid nonprofit
Serves: District of Columbia - Decoding Dyslexia DC
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Family Ties of DC (DC Quality Trust)
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
(202) 448-1450 - School Justice Project
Legal aid nonprofit
Serves: District of Columbia - The Arc of DC
Nonprofit organization
Serves: District of Columbia
Florida (4 parent centers, 4 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Family Network on Disabilities-Parent Support Network (PSN) Project
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Clearwater
Serves: Charlotte County; Citrus County; Collier County; DeSoto County; Glades County; Hardee County; Hendry County; Hernando County; Highlands County; Hillsborough County; Lee County; Manatee County; Pasco County; Pinellas County; Sarasota County; Sumter County
(727) 523-1130 - Parent Education Network Project (PEN)
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Clearwater
Serves: Broward County; Indian River County; Lake County; Martin County; Miami-Dade County; Monroe County; Okeechobee County; Orange County; Osceola County; Palm Beach County; Polk County; St. Lucie County
(727) 523-1130 - Parent to Parent of Miami, Inc.
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), Miami
Serves: Miami-Dade County
(305) 271-9797 - Parents of the Panhandle Information Network (POPIN)
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Clearwater
Serves: Alachua County; Baker County; Bay County; Bradford County; Brevard County; Calhoun County; Clay County; Columbia County; Dixie County; Duval County; Escambia County; Flagler County; Franklin County; Gadsden County; Gilchrist County; Gulf County; Hamilton County; Holmes County; Jackson County; Jefferson County; Lafayette County; Leon County; Levy County; Liberty County; Madison County; Marion County; Nassau County; Okaloosa County; Putnam County; Santa Rosa County; Seminole County; St. Johns County; Suwannee County; Taylor County; Union County; Volusia County; Wakulla County; Walton County; Washington County
(727) 523-1130
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Florida
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Tallahassee
(850) 488-9071
Advocacy groups
- Central Florida Chapter of CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Apopka - Decoding Dyslexia Florida
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Learning Disabilities Association of Florida
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide - Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Education Advocacy Project
Legal aid nonprofit
Serves: Palm Beach County
Georgia (1 parent center, 4 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Parent to Parent of Georgia, Inc.
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Atlanta
(770) 451-5484
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Georgia Advocacy Office, Inc.
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Decatur
(404) 885-1234
Ombudsman
- GaDOE IDEA Ombudsman (Special Education Outreach)
Education Ombudsman Office
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia Georgia
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Metro Atlanta - Learning Disabilities Association of Georgia
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide - Lilburn CHADD Support Groups
Nonprofit organization, Lilburn
Hawaii (1 parent center, 3 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Leadership in Disabilities & Achievement of Hawai’i
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Honolulu
(808) 536-9684
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Hawaii Disability Rights Center
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Honolulu
(808) 949-2922
Advocacy groups
- CHADD of Hawaii
Nonprofit organization, Ewa Beach
Serves: Statewide - Decoding Dyslexia Hawaii
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Hilopa'a Family to Family Health Information Center
Nonprofit organization, Honolulu
Serves: Statewide
(808) 791-3467
Idaho (1 parent center, 1 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Idaho Parents Unlimited, Inc. (IPUL)
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Boise
(208) 342-5884
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- DisAbility Rights Idaho
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Boise
(208) 336-5353
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia Idaho
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide
Illinois (1 parent center, 4 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Family Matters
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Teutopolis
(217) 717-8016
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Equip for Equality, Inc.
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Chicago
(312) 341-0022
Advocacy groups
- Chicago's North Shore CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Wilmette - Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
(708) 430-7532 - The Arc of Illinois
Nonprofit organization, Tinley Park
Serves: Statewide
(815) 464-1832 - Wheaton CHADD Parent Support Group
Nonprofit organization, Wheaton
Indiana (1 parent center, 5 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Indiana Resource Center for Families with Special Needs (IN*SOURCE)
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), South Bend
(574) 234-7101
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Indiana Disability Rights
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Indianapolis
(317) 722-5555
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia Indiana
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Down Syndrome Indiana
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide - Indiana Family to Family
Nonprofit organization, Fishers
Serves: Statewide
(844) 323-4636 - Indianapolis CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Greenwood - Learning Disabilities Association of Indiana
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
Iowa (1 parent center, 3 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Access For Special Kids Resource Center (ASK)
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Johnston
(515) 243-1713
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Iowa
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Des Moines
(515) 278-2502
Advocacy groups
- CHADD of Iowa
Nonprofit organization, Davenport
Serves: Statewide - Decoding Dyslexia Iowa
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Learning Disabilities Association of Iowa
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
(515) 209-2290
Kansas (1 parent center, 2 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Families Together, Inc.
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Topeka
(785) 233-4777
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Center of Kansas
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Topeka
(785) 273-9661
Advocacy groups
- ADHDKC CHADD (Kansas City area)
Nonprofit organization, Kansas City - Decoding Dyslexia Kansas
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide
Kentucky (1 parent center, 6 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Kentucky Special Parent Involvement Network (KY-SPIN)
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Louisville
(502) 937-6894
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Kentucky Protection and Advocacy
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Frankfort
(502) 564-2967
Advocacy groups
- Children's Law Center (Kentucky and Ohio)
Legal aid nonprofit
Serves: Northern Kentucky; Southwest Ohio - Decoding Dyslexia Kentucky
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Family Voices of KY, Inc.
Nonprofit organization, LaGrange
Serves: Statewide
(502) 724-3171 - Kentucky Connections CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Lexington - Kentucky Family-to-Family Health Information Center
State government program, Louisville
Serves: Statewide
(502) 564-7107 - Learning Disabilities Association of Kentucky
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
Louisiana (2 parent centers, 4 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Louisiana Parent Training and Information Center
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Harahan
(504) 888-9111 - Pyramid Community Parent Resource
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), New Orleans
(504) 218-8922
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Louisiana
Protection and Advocacy Agency, New Orleans
(504) 522-2337
Ombudsman
- LDOE Special Education Ombudsman
Education Ombudsman Office
(877) 453-2721
Advocacy groups
- Bayou Land Families Helping Families
Nonprofit organization, Thibodaux
Serves: Statewide
(985) 447-4461 - Decoding Dyslexia Louisiana
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Learning Disabilities Association of Louisiana
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide - The Arc of Louisiana
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
Maine (1 parent center, 1 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Maine Parent Federation
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Augusta
(207) 588-1933
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Maine
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Augusta
(207) 626-2774
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia Maine
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide
Maryland (1 parent center, 6 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Parents’ Place of Maryland, Inc.
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Glen Burnie
(410) 768-9100
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Maryland
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Baltimore
(410) 727-6352
Ombudsman
- MSDE Office of the Ombudsman
Education Ombudsman Office
(410) 767-0480
Advocacy groups
- Anne Arundel County CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Crofton - Decoding Dyslexia Maryland
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Greater Baltimore CHADD
Nonprofit organization, North Ocean City - Learning Disabilities Association of Maryland
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide; also covers DC - Montgomery County MD CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Rockville - Parent to Parent Maryland (The Arc Maryland)
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
(410) 571-9320
Massachusetts (1 parent center, 3 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Federation for Children with Special Needs
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Boston
(617) 236-7210
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Law Center, Inc.
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Boston
(617) 723-8455
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia Massachusetts
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Massachusetts Advocates for Children
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide - Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
Michigan (1 parent center, 7 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Michigan Alliance for Families
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Lansing
(800) 552-4821
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Michigan
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Lansing
(517) 487-1755
Advocacy groups
- Ann Arbor CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Ann Arbor - Decoding Dyslexia Michigan
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Eastern Oakland County CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Sylvan Lake - Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (Michigan)
State government program
Serves: Statewide
(800) 359-3722 - Learning Disabilities Association of Michigan
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
(616) 284-1650 - Michigan Family Voices at The Arc Michigan
Nonprofit organization, Lansing
Serves: Statewide - Michigan Family-to-Family Health Information & Education Center
Public health institute program, Okemos
Serves: Statewide
(517) 324-7396
Minnesota (1 parent center, 3 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- PACER Center, Inc.
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Bloomington
(952) 838-9000
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Minnesota Disability Law Center
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Minneapolis
(612) 334-5970
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia Minnesota
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Family Voices of Minnesota
Nonprofit organization, St. Paul
Serves: Statewide
(612) 440-1609 - Learning Disabilities Association of Minnesota
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
(952) 582-6000
Mississippi (1 parent center, 3 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Jackson
(601) 969-0601
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Mississippi
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Jackson
(601) 968-0600
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia Mississippi
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Mississippi Families As Allies, Inc.
Nonprofit organization, Jackson
Serves: Statewide
(601) 355-0915 - The Arc of Mississippi
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
Missouri (1 parent center, 3 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Missouri Parents Act (MPACT)
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Joplin
(800) 743-7634
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Jefferson City
(573) 893-3333
Advocacy groups
- ADHDKC CHADD (Kansas City area)
Nonprofit organization, Kansas City - Decoding Dyslexia Missouri
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - University of Missouri-Kansas City Developmental Disabilities Resource Center
University program, Kansas City
Serves: Statewide
(816) 235-1763
Montana (1 parent center, 2 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Montana Empowerment Center, Inc
Parent Center (type not stated on CPIR list), Great Falls
(877) 870-1190
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Montana
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Helena
(406) 449-2344
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia Montana
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - The Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities
University program, Missoula
Serves: Statewide
(406) 243-4570
Nebraska (1 parent center, 4 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- PTI Nebraska
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Omaha
(402) 346-0525
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Nebraska
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Lincoln
(402) 413-2016
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia Nebraska
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Learning Disabilities Association of Nebraska
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide - Ollie Webb Center, Parent to Parent Omaha
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Omaha area
(402) 346-5220 - Omaha Council Bluffs Area Chapter
Nonprofit organization, Omaha
Nevada (1 parent center, 2 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Nevada PEP
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Las Vegas
(702) 388-8899
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Nevada Disability Advocacy and Law Center
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Las Vegas
(702) 257-8150
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia Nevada
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities Family Navigation Network
University program, Reno
Serves: Statewide
(833) 427-1673
New Hampshire (1 parent center, 3 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Parent Information Center (PIC)
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Concord
(603) 224-7005
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Center
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Concord
(603) 228-0432
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia New Hampshire
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Learning Disabilities Association of New Hampshire
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide - New Hampshire Family Voices
Nonprofit organization, Concord
Serves: Statewide
(603) 271-4525
New Jersey (2 parent centers, 6 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Association for Special Children and Families
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), Hewitt
Serves: Northern Passaic County
(973) 728-8744 - SPAN Parent Advocacy Network
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Newark
(973) 642-8100
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights New Jersey
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Trenton
(609) 292-9742
Ombudsman
- NJDOE Office of the Special Education Ombudsman
Education Ombudsman Office
(609) 376-9060
Advocacy groups
- Bergen County CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Teaneck - CHADD Of Mercer County
Nonprofit organization, Princeton - Decoding Dyslexia New Jersey
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Learning Disabilities Association of New Jersey
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide - TRI-CHADD NJ
Nonprofit organization, Howell - The Arc of New Jersey
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
New Mexico (2 parent centers, 2 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Education for Parents of Indigenous Children with Special Needs (EPICS)
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), Albuquerque
(505) 767-6630 - Parents Reaching Out (P.R.O.)
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Albuquerque
(505) 247-0192
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights New Mexico
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Albuquerque
(505) 256-3100 - Native American Disability Law Center
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Farmington
(505) 566-5880
Ombudsman
- Office of the Special Education Ombud (New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Council)
Education Ombudsman Office
(505) 841-4565
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia New Mexico
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Navajo Family Voices, a program of Indian Country Grassroots Support
Tribal health program, Farmington
(505) 326-2650
New York (10 parent centers, 9 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Advocates for Children of New York
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), New York
(212) 947-9779 - Community Inclusion & Development Alliance, Inc.
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), Bayside
(718) 224-8197 - INCLUDEnyc
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), New York
(212) 677-4650 - INCLUDEnyc
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), New York
(212) 677-4650 - Long Island Advocacy Center, Nassau County
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), New Hyde Park
Serves: Nassau County; Suffolk County
(516) 248-2222 - Long Island Advocacy Center, Suffolk County
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Hauppauge
(631) 234-0467 - Parent Network of Western New York
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), Buffalo
(716) 332-4170 - Sinergia/Metropolitan Parent Center
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), New York
(212) 643-2840 - Starbridge
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Rochester
(585) 546-1700 - United We Stand of New York
Parent Center (type not stated on CPIR list), Brooklyn
(718) 302-4313
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights New York
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Albany
(518) 432-7861
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia New York
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Learning Disabilities Association of New York
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide - Legal Services NYC, Education Advocacy
Legal aid nonprofit
Serves: New York City - Mobilization for Justice, Children's Rights Program
Legal aid nonprofit
Serves: New York City - Nassau County CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Elmont - New York Lawyers for the Public Interest
Legal aid nonprofit
Serves: New York City
(212) 244-4664 - Parent to Parent of NYS
Nonprofit organization, Schenectady
Serves: Statewide
(518) 381-4350 - Suffolk County CHADD
Nonprofit organization, East Northport - Westchester-Putnam and Vicinity CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Yorktown Heights
North Carolina (3 parent centers, 5 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- ECAC, Inc. (Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center)
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Davidson
(704) 892-1321 - FIRSTwnc
Parent Center (type not stated on CPIR list), Asheville
Serves: Buncombe County; Haywood County; Henderson County
(828) 277-1315 - HOPE Parent Resource Center
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), Hickory
Serves: Alexander County; Burke County; Caldwell County; Catawba County; McDowell County
(828) 256-5202
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights North Carolina
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Raleigh
(919) 856-2195
Advocacy groups
- Autism Society North Carolina
Nonprofit organization, Raleigh
Serves: Statewide
(800) 442-2762 - Decoding Dyslexia North Carolina
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Duke Law Children's Law Clinic
Law school clinic
Serves: Central North Carolina - Family Support Network of North Carolina
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
(800) 852-0042 - Learning Disabilities Association of North Carolina
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
North Dakota (1 parent center, 3 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Pathfinder Parent Center
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Minot
(701) 837-7500
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- The North Dakota Protection & Advocacy Project
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Bismarck
(701) 328-2950
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia North Dakota
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Family Voices of North Dakota
Nonprofit organization, Edgeley
Serves: Statewide
(701) 493-2634 - Red River Valley CHADD
Nonprofit organization
Ohio (1 parent center, 6 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Marion
(844) 382-5452
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Ohio
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Columbus
(614) 466-7264
Advocacy groups
- CHADD of Ohio
Nonprofit organization, Westerville
Serves: Statewide - Decoding Dyslexia Ohio
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Central Ohio - Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Greater Cincinnati - Ohio Family-to-Family Health Information Center
University program, Cincinnati
Serves: Statewide - Ohio Parent to Parent
University program
Serves: Statewide
(513) 803-5557
Oklahoma (2 parent centers, 3 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Oklahoma Parents Center
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Holdenville
(405) 379-6015 - Pervasive Parenting
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), Poteau
(918) 647-1255
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc.
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Oklahoma City
(405) 525-7755
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia Oklahoma
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Oklahoma Family Network, Inc.
Nonprofit organization, Oklahoma City
Serves: Statewide
(405) 271-5072 - The Muscogee (Creek) Nation
Tribal health program, Okmulgee
Oregon (2 parent centers, 3 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- CODSN Central Oregon Disability Support Network
Parent Center (type not stated on CPIR list), Bend
(541) 548-8559 - Family and Community Together (FACT)
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Portland
(503) 786-6082
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Oregon
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Portland
(503) 243-2081
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia Oregon
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Oregon Family to Family Health Information Center
University program, Portland
Serves: Statewide
(503) 494-0865 - Portland Metro CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Portland
Pennsylvania (3 parent centers, 9 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Hispanos Unidos para Niños Excepcionales (Philadelphia HUNE)
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), Philadelphia
(215) 425-6203 - Mission Empower
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), Erie
Serves: Erie County
(814) 825-0788 - Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership Center (PEAL)
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Philadelphia
(412) 281-4404
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Pennsylvania
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Philadelphia
(717) 236-8110
Advocacy groups
- Achieva (The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh)
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Allegheny County and surrounding area - BuxMont CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Elkins Park - Decoding Dyslexia Pennsylvania
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Pittsburgh region - Education Law Center (Pennsylvania)
Legal aid nonprofit
Serves: Statewide - Learning Disabilities Association of Pennsylvania
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
(412) 212-7087 - Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
(888) 727-2706 - Philadelphia CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Philadelphia - The Arc of Chester County
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Chester County
Rhode Island (1 parent center, 2 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- RIPIN
Parent Center (type not stated on CPIR list), Warwick
(401) 270-0101
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Rhode Island
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Providence
(401) 831-3150
Advocacy groups
- CHADD of Rhode Island
Nonprofit organization, Rumford
Serves: Statewide - Decoding Dyslexia Rhode Island
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide
South Carolina (2 parent centers, 3 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Family Connection of SC
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Columbia
(803) 252-0914 - Family Resource Center for Disabilities and Special Needs, Inc.
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), Charleston
Serves: Berkeley County; Dorchester County; Charleston County
(843) 266-1318
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights South Carolina
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Columbia
(803) 782-0639
Ombudsman
- SCDE Office of Special Education Services Ombudsman
Education Ombudsman Office
(803) 734-2833
Advocacy groups
- Autism Society South Carolina
Nonprofit organization, West Columbia
Serves: Statewide
(803) 750-6988 - Decoding Dyslexia South Carolina
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Learning Disabilities Association of South Carolina
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
South Dakota (1 parent center, 1 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- South Dakota Parent Connection
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Sioux Falls
(605) 361-3171
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights South Dakota
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Pierre
(605) 224-8294
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia South Dakota
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide
Tennessee (1 parent center, 7 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- TNSTEP, Tennessee’s Parent & Youth Training & Information Center
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Greeneville
(423) 639-0125
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Tennessee
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Nashville
(615) 298-1080
Advocacy groups
- ADHD Nash / Nashville CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Franklin - Decoding Dyslexia Tennessee
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Middle Tennessee - Education Rights Project (Nashville)
Local government program
Serves: Davidson County - Oak Ridge TN CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Oakridge - Shelby County ADHD CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Lakeland - Tennessee Disability Coalition
Nonprofit organization, Nashville
Serves: Statewide
(615) 383-9442
Texas (5 parent centers, 6 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Children’s Disabilities Information Coalition
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), El Paso
(915) 217-2747 - PACT Project
Parent Center (type not stated on CPIR list), Euless
(469) 712-8409 - PATH Project
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Beaumont
Serves: Aransas County; Austin County; Bee County; Brazoria County; Brazos County; Brooks County; Burleson County; Calhoun County; Chambers County; Colorado County; DeWitt County; Duval County; Fort Bend County; Galveston County; Goliad County; Grimes County; Hardin County; Harris County; Houston County; Jackson County; Jasper County; Jefferson County; Jim Wells County; Karnes County; Kenedy County; Kleberg County; Lavaca County; Leon County; Liberty County; Live Oak County; Madison County; Matagorda County; McMullen County; Milam County; Montgomery County; Newton County; Nueces County; Orange County; Polk County; Refugio County; Robertson County; San Jacinto County; San Patricio County; Trinity County; Tyler County; Victoria County; Walker County; Waller County; Washington County; Wharton County
(409) 898-4684 - PEN Project
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), El Paso
(806) 762-1434 - Team Project, Partners Resource Network, Inc.
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Missouri City
Serves: Atascosa County; Bandera County; Bastrop County; Bexar County; Blanco County; Burnet County; Caldwell County; Cameron County; Comal County; Dimmit County; Fayette County; Frio County; Gillespie County; Gonzales County; Guadalupe County; Hays County; Hidalgo County; Jim Hogg County; Kendall County; Kerr County; Kinney County; La Salle County; Lee County; Llano County; Maverick County; Medina County; Real County; Starr County; Travis County; Uvalde County; Webb County; Willacy County; Williamson County; Wilson County; Zapata County; Zavala County
(281) 969-5944
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Texas
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Austin
(512) 454-4816
Advocacy groups
- CHADD El Paso
Nonprofit organization, El Paso - Decoding Dyslexia Texas
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Down Syndrome Association of Houston
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Greater Houston - Learning Disabilities Association of Texas
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide - North Texas CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Southlake - Texas Parent to Parent
Nonprofit organization, Austin
Serves: Statewide
(512) 458-8600
Utah (1 parent center, 3 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Utah Parent Center
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Murray
(801) 272-1051
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Law Center
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Salt Lake City
(800) 662-9080
Advocacy groups
- CHADD of Utah
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide - Decoding Dyslexia Utah
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Learning Disabilities Association of Utah
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
(801) 553-9156
Vermont (1 parent center, 1 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Vermont Family Network
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Williston
(802) 876-5315
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Vermont
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Montpelier
(802) 229-1355
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia Vermont
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide
Virginia (2 parent centers, 7 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Formed Families Forward
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), Fairfax
(703) 539-2904 - Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Warrenton
(703) 923-0010
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- disAbility Law Center of Virginia
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Richmond
(804) 225-2042
Ombudsman
- VDOE Parent Ombudsman for Special Education
Education Ombudsman Office
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia Virginia
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Family to Family Network of Virginia, Center for Family Involvement
Nonprofit organization, Richmond
Serves: Statewide
(877) 567-1122 - Hampton Roads CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Virginia Beach - JustChildren, Legal Aid Justice Center
Legal aid nonprofit
Serves: Virginia (office regions) - Learning Disabilities Association of Virginia
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide - Northern Virginia and Washington DC CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Fairfax - The Arc of Northern Virginia
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Northern Virginia
Washington (2 parent centers, 5 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Open Doors for Multicultural Families
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), Kent
(253) 216-4479 - PAVE
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Tacoma
(253) 565-2266
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Washington
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Seattle
(206) 324-1521
Ombudsman
- Washington State Governor's Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)
Education Ombudsman Office, Olympia
(866) 297-2597
Advocacy groups
- CHADD of Seattle
Nonprofit organization, Seattle - Decoding Dyslexia Washington
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Olympic Peninsula CHADD
Nonprofit organization, Bremerton - The Arc of Snohomish County
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Snohomish County - Washington State Parent to Parent (The Arc of Washington State)
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
(509) 907-0873
West Virginia (1 parent center, 2 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- West Virginia Parent Training and Information
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Weston
(304) 472-5697
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights of West Virginia
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Charleston
(304) 346-0847
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia West Virginia
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - West Virginia University's Center for Excellence in Disabilities
University program, Morgantown
Serves: Statewide
(304) 293-4265
Wisconsin (2 parent centers, 4 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Alianza Latina Aplicando Soluciones (A.L.A.S.)
Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), Milwaukee
(414) 643-0022 - Wisconsin FACETS
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Milwaukee
(414) 374-4645
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Disability Rights Wisconsin
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Madison
(608) 308-2648
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia Wisconsin
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - Family Voices of Wisconsin
Nonprofit organization, Madison
Serves: Statewide
(608) 512-0217 - Learning Disabilities Association of Wisconsin
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide - Parent to Parent of Wisconsin
Nonprofit organization
Serves: Statewide
(833) 361-6300
Wyoming (1 parent center, 3 groups)
Parent centers (free)
- Parents Helping Parents of WY, Inc
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), Cheyenne
(307) 684-2277
Disability rights agency (free legal advocacy)
- Wyoming P&A System
Protection and Advocacy Agency, Cheyenne
(307) 632-3496
Advocacy groups
- Decoding Dyslexia Wyoming
Parent-led volunteer group
Serves: Statewide - UPLIFT
Nonprofit organization, Cheyenne
Serves: Statewide
(307) 231-6819 - Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND)
University program, Laramie
Serves: Statewide
(307) 766-2764
Private advocates and attorneys
Special education advocates are not licensed in any state, and anyone can use the title. Before you hire one, ask:
- What training do you have? (For example COPAA's Special Education Advocacy Training, or a parent center program.)
- How many IEP meetings have you attended in our state?
- What do you charge, and is there a free first call?
- Can you give me two families as references?
Attorneys who represent families are listed by the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). Advocates and attorneys can add a free listing on the Disability Atlas; listings show their trust tier.
Last reviewed: November 2026. Rules, programs and phone numbers change. Check with the office named on this page. Report outdated or wrong information.