Edmonds Special Education Support Group
Free Parent/Guardian Support For Navigating The IEP Process
On this page you will find Snohomish County/Washington State Organizations that provide free personal Special Education support for parents and guardians. You will also find some Free/Low Cost Legal Resources. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, is not intended as medical or legal advice. The Edmonds SPED Support Group cannot guarantee satisfaction with any one provider.
Washington PAVE (Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment)
PAVE is a statewide Parent Training Information Center that provides training, resources, and support for parents, individuals with disabilities, and professionals. Staff and volunteers work with individuals one-on-one or provide workshops about obtaining appropriate services in the public school system. The PAVE website also has many free publications on a variety of special education
Phone: (253) 565-2266
Snohomish County PAVE Parent Resource Coordinator~Jennifer Cole
Phone:360-742-9827
Arc of Snohomish~County Parent Partners
Arc of Snohomish~IEP Parent Partners Assists parents and students in understanding the IEP process and develop partnerships between educators and families
Phone: 425-258-2459
Email: info@arcsno.org
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)~Special Education Parent Liaison
The OSPI Special Education Parent Liaison is available as a resource to parents in non-legal special education matters and serves as a neutral and independent advocate for a fair process. The Ombudsman through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction works impartially and objectively with all parties to help ensure that students with special needs receive services and supports necessary to enable them to benefit from public education, as guaranteed under federal and state laws. OSPI provides information to help families and educators understand state and federal laws, rules and regulations and how to access training, support, technical information and mediation services.
Phone: (360) 725-6075
Web: https://www.k12.wa.us/SpecialEd/Families/Assistance.aspx
Sound Options Group
Phone: (800) 692-2540
Web: www.soundoptionsgroup.com
OSPI has contracted with Sound Options Group to provide special education mediation services throughout the state. Mediation is a voluntary process for parents and school districts. It is confidential, informal, and free to each party. Mediation provides parties with an opportunity to come to a resolution on their own, rather than one ordered through due process or citizen complaint decisions. To request mediation or get more information, contact Sound Options Group.
Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy (WAAA) SPED Parent Partners
WAAA SPED Parent Partners are parents who provide information and help navigate the process over the phone, in person at the WAAA office or via email.
They don’t attend meetings or give legal advice but can provide referals. Their services are provided free of charge. You can learn more about them here.
WAAA’s Annual IDEA Workshop
Navigating the hundreds of pages of legalese that mandate education services for children with disabilities can be overwhelming. IDEA: Blueprints to Special Education simplifies that process. These sessions cover the legal rights and options that parents, advocates, and educators must know to ensure that students receive the services they need to succeed and thrive in school. Presented by experts in special education law, this workshop provides information on state and federal laws regulating special education, IEP and 504 plans. Find the next Workshop here.
Web: http://www.washingtonautismadvocacy.org
Phone: 425.836.6513
Email: info@washingonautismadvocacy.org
Governor's Office OF Education Ombuds (0E0)
A state agency, separate from the public education system that helps resolve conflicts and problems between families and public schools. Publications are available in a variety of languages.
Phone: 866-297-2597
Low Cost or Free Legal Help Resources
Free Legal Help
Washington Web Lawyer is a website where low-income clients with civil legal problems in Washington state post their legal questions online and receive advice from pro bono attorneys. Visit them online at WAWebLawyer.org.
211 Legal Referral and Information Hotline provides information for people facing civil (non-criminal) legal matters.
-free at 888-201-1014. The line is open weekdays 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Visit NWJustice.org and Northwest Justice Project YouTube channel for more information.
Reduced-Fee Legal Help
Self-help Legal Information
www.washingtonlawhelp.org
Legal Assistance for Low-Income Households: Northwest Justice Project
www.nwjustice.org
CLEAR
www.nwjustice.org/clear-online
Civil Rights: American Civil Liberties of Washington
www.aclu-wa.org
Immigration: Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
www.nwirp.org
Youth Law: Team Child
www.teamchild.org
Disability Law: Disability Rights Washington
www.disabilityrightswa.org
