At JCFS Chicago, we work to make our community inclusive and accessible for people of all ages and abilities. We are committed to supporting people with disabilities through social and recreational opportunities, special education and employment. For those that need legal assistance, we have compiled a list of resources available in the Chicago area.

Are you a parent or guardian of a child with special needs who has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan? Do you have any questions about the plan itself or with its implementation? Do you suspect your child may have a disability and may need services in school? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the JCFS Chicago Legal Advocacy Center may be a resource for you.

In January, Sande Shamash, Director of the Legal Advocacy Center (LAC), and LAC Staff Attorney, Marissa LaVette, submitted a paper for a presentation on childhood trauma and its impact on special education. Their presentation, “Recognizing Childhood Trauma: Identification, Implementation and Advocacy for Trauma Informed Approaches in Special Education” was one of the submissions selected to be featured at the 17th Annual 2015 Counsel of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) National Conference in San Diego. COPAA is a national organization that serves to protect the legal and civil rights of and secure excellence in education on behalf of the 6.4 million children with disabilities in the United States.