Advocacy for Children

Helpful Guides

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  • The Public School’s Special Education System as an Assistive Technology Funding Source: The Cutting Edge (PDF) – Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
    This guide, originally intended for attorneys and advocates, offers an in-depth review of the rights of students with disabilities under IDEA and Section 504. Last revised in 2003, it remains a valuable resource, with an update planned for 2016. More materials are available on the NLS National AT Advocacy Project webpage.

     

  • The Parents’ How-To Guide to Children’s Mental Health Services in Massachusetts (PDF) – Boston Bar Association with Support from Children’s Hospital Boston
    A well-structured and easy-to-follow guide for parents navigating children’s mental health services. Published by the Boston Bar Association with support from Children’s Hospital Boston, it provides comprehensive insights into available resources.

     

  • Family Ties of Massachusetts: Directory of Resources for Families of Children and Youth with Special Needs (PDF) – Federation for Children with Special Needs and the Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health
    This directory serves as a foundational resource for families and professionals seeking information and assistance. A detailed listing of national and state advocacy and legal organizations is available on page 9.

Organizations

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Federation for Children with Special Needs

Federation for Children with Special Needs
Dedicated to providing information, support, and advocacy for parents of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and the broader community. Opportunities include trainings and workshops for parents and others on understanding and navigating MassHealth and the education system.

For more information:
1135 Tremont Street, Suite 420
Boston, MA, 02120 US
Email: fcsninfo@fcsn.org
Phone: (617) 236-7210/(800) 331-0688
Fax: (617) 572-2094
Federation for Children with Special Needs website

Massachusetts Advocates for Children

The MAC’s Special Education initiative serves parents of children with disabilities, advocates and educators. Staff can provide parents with the information, referral, and advocacy services they need to ensure their children can participate in mainstream public education and obtain equal educational opportunities.

25 Kingston Street, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 357-8431 x224 MAC Helpline
Mass Advocates website

Disability Law Center

The DLC provides advocacy, information, or referral for requests for disability related advocacy.

In the Boston area call:
Phone: (617) 723-8455/(800) 872-9992
TTY: (617) 227-9464/(800) 381-0577

In western Massachusetts:
Phone: (413) 584-6337 / (800) 222-5619
TTY: (413) 582-691
Disability Law Center website