Columbus OH
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Education Legal Rights

Disability Rights Ohio

Advocates for people with disabilities in Ohio. Their website has helpful resources on education, employment, abuse, neglect and exploitation, benefits, voting, and more. Rise Up is a youth advocacy guide with resources for transitioning into adulthood. Most of their resources are available in multiple languages, including Spanish and Somali. Complete the online intake form to request legal help.
200 Civic Center Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-7264 or (800) 282-9181
Rise Up guides: disabilityrightsohio.org/riseup
Intake Form: disabilityrightsohio.org/intake-form
disabilityrightsohio.org

Legal Aid Society of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO, Formerly LASC)

Provides free civil legal assistance and guidance for low-income residents and senior citizens of Columbus and Central Ohio. Legal Aid attorneys may be able to help you with the following types of cases or legal problems: consumer law, immigration, family law, housing, public benefits, reentry, seniors, tax law, veterans, and education. Their website also has resources with easy-to-read information on these topics.
lasco.org

  • Columbus Office: Serves Franklin and Madison counties
    1108 City Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
    Intake: (888) 246-4420
    General Inquiries: (614) 221-7201 or (877) 224-8374
  • Marion Office: Serves Delaware, Marion, Morrow and Union counties
    150 Oak Street, Marion, Ohio 43302
    (740) 383-2161 or (880) 301-2411
  • Newark Office: Services Knox, Licking, Muskingum, and Perry counties
    15 West Locust Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
    (740) 345-0850 or (888) 831-9412

Letters Parents Can Use for Special Education

Click the links to access free letter templates and tools to help you advocate for your child’s special education needs at schools and agencies. Click Here for more resources on Legal Rights for Education

Ohio Department of Children and Youth

Childcare centers in Ohio are overseen by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. Visit the website for information on Ohio programs that help with childcare, parenting, or pregnancy. The website includes general information on parenting and education, including information on early childhood development, foster and kinship care, infant safety, and more. Programs include cash assistance, home visiting programs, and kindergarten readiness programs. The Child Care Choice Program Voucher helps families pay for childcare if their gross monthly income is between 146-200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The website also has helpful tools for finding a childcare provider.
P.O. Box 183204, Columbus, Ohio 43218
Family & Customer Support: 1-844-234-5437
childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-families

Ohio Department of Education (ODEW) Dispute Resolution

Situations may arise where parents or other family members believe a school has violated federal or state law. The Ohio Department of Education & Workforce (ODEW) Office for Exceptional Children (OEC) encourages parents, family members and schools to work together to resolve differences for free. This website provides important information on the mediation process.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 644-6338
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Special-Education/Dispute-Resolution

Ohio Department of Education (ODEW) English Learners

This website has resources for educators to identify and best serve PreK-12 students learning English. Find state guidelines for communicating with families, creating inclusive learning environments, supporting international and foreign exchange students, and more.
(614) 387-2245
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/English-Learners

Ohio Department of Education (ODEW) Ohio School Options & Graduation Requirements

This website outlines the education options available for families in Ohio. School options include community/charter schools, private schools, career-technical education, STEM schools, College Credit Plus (formerly known as PSEO and Dual Enrollment), home schooling, scholarships, high school equivalence/GED, and adult diploma programs. The website also has information on Ohio’s high school graduation requirements and post-graduation planning.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 644-6338
School Options: education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-Education-Options
Graduation Requirements: education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-s-Graduation-Requirements

Ohio Department of Education (ODEW) Students Experiencing Homelessness

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Children and Youth Act ensure all children and youth have equal access to free and appropriate public education. Families experiencing homelessness are entitled to transportation, free meals, and additional school support services. Homeless education liaisons ensure students experiencing homelessness receive the support they need during and outside of school. Use the website to learn about state laws and services.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 995-3442
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Homeless-Youth

Ohio PTA

Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) are networks of families and educators supporting children’s learning. The Ohio PTA offers annual $500 scholarships for high school seniors pursuing higher education at a college or university, a technical certification, or Special Education degree. Students must attend a school in a district with official PTA status to apply. The National PTA offers additional awards and programs. Their website has helpful information for parents and educators on topics like special education, state assessments, college readiness, summer learning, safety, and more.
40 Northwoods Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 781-6344
Ohio PTA: ohiopta.org
National PTA: pta.org/home/family-resources

Ohio Special Education Legal Clinic (Lawyers for Students)

Offers a free Special Education Legal Clinic for parents of students with disabilities (ages 3-26). Parents and guardians meet with a special education advocate or attorney to ask questions and discuss challenges related to special education services. The Clinic includes a group workshop followed by a Q&A panel from special education professionals. Free, 30-minute guidance sessions with attorneys are also available.
262 South 3rd Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Columbus: (614) 745-2001
Cleveland: (216) 714-1515
Cincinnati: (513) 496-1635
lawyers4students.com/legalclinic

Ronald McDonald House Resource Link (Formerly Red Treehouse)

Online resource directory supporting families and children with life challenges, disabilities, and healthcare needs from prenatal to age 25. The website helps families find resources such as special education, legal support, financial support for rare diseases, and more. Users can search for resources by need or medical condition.
ronaldmcdonaldhouseresourcelink.org

Understood

Non-profit focused on helping everyone thrive, regardless of learning differences. Their website has a ton of great resources for families, teens and young adults, and educators. Parents can find helpful information, toolkits, and letter templates for advocating and navigating the IEP/504 Plan process. They also have regularly updated blogs and podcasts, printable worksheets and activities for families, workplace resources, and more.
(646) 757-3100
understood.org

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