To schedule an Initial Consult with an advocate please call (619) 446-6936 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Special Education Advocacy is provided by advocates that have graduated from the Special Education Advocacy Certificate Program at USD and receive ongoing advice and supervision from a program faculty member.  The initial consult is offered for a $40 flat fee and Specialized Consultations and IEP Representation and Support are offered on a sliding fee scale based on income.

Initial Consult

• Consists of a one-hour Family Needs Assessment and consultation to assist parents in navigating the laws and regulations regarding special education
• For more complex cases, families may be referred for a Specialized Consultation or to USD’s Legal Clinics, local attorneys or other resources

Specialized Consultations

• For families with more complex needs such as AB2726, multiple diagnoses, multiple special needs children or multiple school issues
• Offered on a sliding fee scale based on income and charged at an hourly rate
• Allows for more in-depth records review, recommendations, letter writing assistance, classroom observation and collaboration with community experts

IEP Representation and Support

• Offered on a sliding fee scale based on income
• Includes records review, coaching with parents, representation at IEP meetings, follow-up and support as needed
• Promotes mediation and positive working relationships between all members of the IEP Team

The goals of this services are to help parents and caretakers in:

• understanding the IEP process
• learning their rights and those of their child
• understanding how to work collaboratively with the members of their child’s IEP team
• writing appropriate letters to school officials
• becoming empowered to utilize their own advocacy skills in the future
• obtaining appropriate levels of services for their child in the most appropriate and least restrictive environment