• Federal Law: How It’s Made, Where to Find it, How to Understand It & How to Cite It

    Zoom

    The Second Trump Administration has been engaged in a large number of executive actions, many of which are generating lawsuits. The Administration is also making legislative recommendations, including proposed rescission actions. The scale and nature of these developments are raising many novel legal questions. Against this backdrop, it is important to be able to find, […]

  • Objetivos/Metas SMART del IEP

    Zoom

    La educación especial se proporciona a los estudiantes en su entorno menos restrictivo a través de la identificación de cuáles son sus desafíos, y la creación de objetivos SMART que impulsan los servicios, los apoyos y la colocación.   Esta capacitación virtual se centra en cómo identificar las áreas de necesidad, escribir objetivos ambiciosos y […]

  • Encampment Response Legal Clinic

    Gilroy Veterans Hall 74 W 6th St, Gilroy, CA, United States

    Have you been approached by police while experiencing homelessness? Come to: Encampment Response Legal Clinics. Know your rights!   Talk to a lawyer for free.   - Ask to lower fines and fees - Dispute infractions and citations - Reconnect with public defender   No police will be present. No appointment needed.   - Help […]

  • Reclaiming Our Legacy: Disability Action & Joy | Celebrating Disability Pride and the 35th ADA Anniversary

    Ed Roberts Campus 3075 Adeline Street, Berkeley, CA, United States

      This July, DREDF and a coalition of racial justice and disability rights & justice organizations are hosting a powerful, community-centered rally to celebrate Disability Pride and mark the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).   This anniversary comes at a pivotal time. As so many of the rights, resources, and the […]

  • Panel Discussion and Screening of PBS’ Change Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act

    Capitol Visitor Center Auditorium 1st St SE, Washington, DC, DC, United States

    We will be screening the PBS short documentary Change Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act. Following the film, Judy Woodruff will moderate a panel discussion featuring legislators who helped shape and pass the ADA, as well as those who participated in the making of the documentary. Panelists will reflect on progress made, strategies, the determined […]

  • Encampment Response Legal Clinic

    Roosevelt Community Center 910 E. Santa Clara Street, San Jose, United States

    Have you been approached by police while experiencing homelessness? Come to: Encampment Response Legal Clinics. Know your rights!   Talk to a lawyer for free.   - Ask to lower fines and fees - Dispute infractions and citations - Reconnect with public defender   No police will be present. No appointment needed.   - Help […]

  • ADA35 National March & Rally

    Grand Hyatt Washington 1000 H St NW, Washington, DC, DC, United States

    The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) and our partners at the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) invite YOU to join us for the 2025 National March & Rally in the heart of Washington, DC!   The theme for the 2025 March and Rally is Our Lives, Our Homes, Our Communities. Together, we […]

  • 2025 Summer Institute on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

    Sacramento Scottish Rite 6151 H Street, Sacramento, CA, United States

    Bridging Science and Real Lives: Research, Practice, and Advocacy in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities   This event is ideal for professionals, researchers, individuals with disabilities, family members, disability advocates, policymakers, community members, and students/trainees.   Keynote on Cutting-Edge Research Hear UC Davis MIND Institute experts share research findings, including intervention approaches for fragile X syndrome, intervention for […]

  • IEP Basics and Beyond

    Zoom

    If a child has a disability or suspected disability, important state and federal laws protect their right to an education. Learn how the IEP/special education process works, what the school district/charter school responsibilities and timelines are, and how to participate in the process effectively, and advocate on behalf of your child or the children you […]

  • What is Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act? And How Can We Defend it?

    Zoom

    Section 503 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 503 requires businesses that have contracts with the federal government to "take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities." Section 503 regulations require that businesses with federal contractors use voluntary surveys to track their progress in hiring and employing […]

  • Educación Especial para Estudiantes Discapacidades: Lo Esencial

    Zoom

    Esta capacitación básica es para padres y profesionales en cómo abogar por un estudiante con discapacidades, sospechada de discapacidad o desafíos educativos. Platicaremos de evaluaciones, metas, servicios, colocación y destrezas de abogacía.   Debe registrarse con anticipación para esta capacitación: Enlace de registro

  • Holding Court: Expanding Disability Rights and Defending the ADA 35 Years Later

    Zoom

    Alliance for Justice is inviting you to join us on for Holding Court: Expanding Disability Rights and Defending the ADA 35 Years Later. This virtual conversation will feature Erin Prangley, Director of Public Policy at The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities and Jennifer Mathis, Deputy Director of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health […]

  • Introducing the IDEA and Other Laws in Special Education

    Zoom

    This webinar will be Part 1 of the Special Education Academy, a new 10-part series running monthly through June 2026. The series will lead parents, families, and students through the main principles and parts of the special education process from understanding the IDEA, California Education Code, and other laws through putting together the Offer of FAPE, […]

  • Celebrating Resistance 2025: DREDF’s 46th Anniversary Event

    Ed Roberts Campus 3075 Adeline Street, Berkeley, CA, United States

      Celebrating Resistance DREDF’s 46th Anniversary Event Action, Advocacy, and Community   Thursday, September 11, 2025 Doors Open: 5:00 pm PDT Program: 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm PDT   This event will also be livestreamed via Zoom, and a link will be sent out by September 8th.   Come join us for an evening of […]

  • Fundamentos de Defensa en la Educación Especial: Estrategias para el Éxito

    Zoom

    Este seminario web hablarla sobre la importancia de estrategias de defensa para los estudiantes con discapacidades. Las defensas eficaces aportan en colaborar con el resto del equipo de IEP para orientar, crear servicios basados en necesidad y encontrar soluciones para preparar a los estudiantes para el futuro.   Debe registrarse con anticipación para esta capacitación: […]

  • Know Your Rights, Own Your Voice: Disability Access in College

    Zoom

    This training is all about helping students understand their rights and options for getting support in college if they have a disability or need extra help. We’ll talk about what accommodations and how to ask for them. You’ll learn who to talk to, what paperwork you might need, and how to make sure you’re getting […]

  • Know Your Rights in the IEP Process

    Zoom

    Come with us as we begin to dig into the Procedural Safeguards--a.k.a. parents' rights--and explore the tools parents, families, and even students can use when things begin to go sideways. This webinar will include advocacy strategies that families can use immediately to support their students and engage with the IEP team or 504 team members. […]

  • Introducción a la Ley de Educación para Niños con Discapacidades (IDEA) y otras leyes relacionadas con la educación especial

    Zoom

    Este seminario web será la primera parte de la Academia de Educación Especial, una nueva serie de 10 partes que se realizará mensualmente hasta junio de 2026. La serie enseñará a los padres, las familias y los estudiantes los principios y las partes principales del proceso de educación especial, desde la comprensión de la ley […]

  • Conozca sus derechos en el proceso del IEP

    Zoom

    Acompáñenos a conocer más a fondo las garantías procesales, también conocidas como derechos de los padres, y exploraremos las herramientas que los padres, las familias e incluso los estudiantes pueden utilizar cuando las cosas comienzan a empeorar. Este seminario web incluirá estrategias de defensa que las familias pueden utilizar de inmediato para apoyar a sus […]

  • Collaborative Agency Meet & Greet: Dunsmuir

    Dunsmuir Community Resource Center 5844 Dunsmuir Ave., Dunsmuir, CA, United States

    Download the flyer (PDF)   *All are welcome! Light refreshments will be provided.*   Come join us to:   - Learn about supports and services - Connect with professionals and families - Access resources for advocacy & education - Get one-on-one consultations for IEPs & 504 Plans   For more information, contact:   -Dunsmuir Community […]

  • Building Bridges: Advancing Supported Decision-Making in Diverse Communities

    Laney College 900 Fallon Street, Oakland, United States

    California State University East Bay is hosting a FREE conference on Supported Decision Making in Oakland at Laney College on October 25th! The state of California granted formal recognition to SDM in September 2022 with the passage of AB 1663, Probate Conservatorship Reform and Supported Decision-Making Act. This law changed the landscape for adults with […]

  • Virtual Town Hall to Protect Children with Disabilities & Protect IDEA

    Zoom

    In light of recent events in the U.S. Department of Education and actions that threaten the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the rights of more than 8 million children with disabilities, we invite you to join a grassroots virtual Town Hall for parents, teachers, and advocates for children with disabilities.   Speakers will […]

  • Parte 3 de 10: Evaluaciones de Educación Especial: Por qué se evalúa a los estudiantes con discapacidad

    Zoom

    Ahora que conocemos los conceptos básicos de la Ley de Educación para Personas con Discapacidades (IDEA) y los derechos de los padres en el proceso, ¿cómo empezamos? ¿Cuál es el primer paso para que un estudiante obtenga un Programa de Educación Individualizado (IEP) y cuáles son las partes del proceso? Acompáñenos a explorar las evaluaciones […]

  • Connecting Communities: A Disability Services Meet & Greet: Weaverville

    Human Response Network 111 Mountain View St., Weaverville, CA, United States

    *All are welcome! Light refreshments will be provided.*   Come join us to:   -Learn about supports and services -Connect with professionals and families -Access resources for advocacy & education -Get one-on-one consultations for IEPs & 504 Plans   Space provided by: Human Response Network   In collaboration with: The State Council on Developmental Disabilities […]

  • Author Talk with Scot Danforth

    Berkeley Central Library 2090 Kittredge Street, Berkeley, CA, United States

    Join us for a talk by Chapman University Professor Scot Danforth on his new book An Independent Man: Ed Roberts and the Fight for Disability Rights. Presented in partnership with UC Press   About the Book The first biography of one of the founders of the disability rights movement, An Independent Man chronicles the life of an activist who […]

  • Part 4 of 10: Evaluations and Assessment Reports: How to Review Them and Prepare for the IEP Meeting

    Zoom

    If a child has a disability or suspected disability, important state and federal laws protect their right to an education. Learn how the IEP/special education process works, what the school district/charter school responsibilities and timelines are, and how to participate in the process effectively, and advocate on behalf of your child or the children you […]

  • Looking Ahead: Potential Consequences of Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education

    Zoom

    Join DREDF and COPAA as we walk through the role of the U.S. Department of Education in special education, what special education may look like across the country if the Department is dismantled, and what parents, students, advocates, and professionals should know.   Presenters: -Karma Quick-Panwala (she/her), DREDF -Jinny Kim (she/her), DREDF -Denise Marshall, COPAA […]

  • Parte 4 de 10: Evaluaciones e Informes de Evaluación: Cómo Revisarlos y Prepararse para la Reunión del Programa de Educación Individualizado (IEP)

    Zoom

    A medida que se acerca la reunión del Programa de Educación Individualizado (IEP) para revisar los informes de evaluación y otras partes del proceso, ¿cómo podemos comprender qué se ha evaluado? ¿Cómo interpretamos los números en el informe? ¿Qué información necesita el equipo del IEP de una evaluación para elaborar el propio plan? Responderemos estas […]

  • Know Your Rights! / ¡Conoce Tus Derechos!

    1470 Fruitvale Ave Oakland, CA, United States

    About the Webinar   Join us for Part 3 of the Know Your Rights! Webinar Series—an empowering session designed to help community members better understand their rights and the resources available to them.   This session will feature guest speakers from across the country sharing critical insights, legal knowledge, and lived experience.   Whether you […]

  • Legal Rights & Self-Advocacy in Reproductive Care

    Zoom

    Are you a person with a disability in LA County? Are you interested in learning more about your disability rights and self advocacy strategies when you go to the doctor? Do you wish you knew more about your rights to access sexual and reproductive healthcare?   Everyone has the right to safe, accessible reproductive health […]

  • Informational Briefing: HHS’s Anti-Trans Proposal to Limit Section 504

    Zoom

    On December 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed three rules that will harm transgender youth and adults. One proposal is to amend Section 504 regulations to allow disability discrimination against trans people with gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is a medical condition experienced by some transgender individuals and that can be […]

  • Part 5 of 10: The Importance of IEP Goals

    Zoom

    Join us as we introduce the annual goals of the Individualized Education Program (IEP), the accountability mechanism that provides access to education and ensures students receive free appropriate public education (FAPE) in their IEPs. What does the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) say about goals, and where do the goals come from? What kinds […]

  • Parte 5 de 10: La importancia de los objetivos del IEP

    Zoom

    Acompáñenos mientras presentamos los objetivos anuales del Programa de Educación Individualizada (IEP), el mecanismo de rendición de cuentas que brinda acceso a la educación y garantiza que los estudiantes reciban una educación pública gratuita y adecuada (FAPE) en sus IEP. ¿Qué dice la Ley de Educación para Personas con Discapacidades (IDEA) sobre los objetivos y […]

  • National Organizing Call: No Federal Funding for Homeless Detention Camps!

    Zoom

    Across the country, responses to homelessness are shifting away from housing and healthcare and toward punishment and detention. In Utah, the governor has proposed defunding housing programs to build a large, remote, government-run detention camp for people experiencing homelessness, potentially using federal dollars.   History shows that detention camps, forced treatment, and criminalization do not […]

  • Ed Roberts Day: Book Reading of An Independent Man

    Ed Roberts Campus 3075 Adeline Street, Berkeley, CA, United States

    Join us for a special Ed Roberts Day event celebrating the legacy of Ed Roberts and the disability rights movement through a community book reading of An Independent Man. An Independent Man tells the powerful story of Ed Roberts — disability rights pioneer, activist, and one of the founders of the independent living movement — whose leadership helped […]

  • Part 6 of 10: Writing SMART Goals in the IEP

    Zoom

    Join us as we go over the legal standards for goals, the formula for writing SMART Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, and everything from the baseline to short-term objectives to the annual goal itself. We’ll give examples of good goals and help you understand the goals in your child’s IEP. Be sure to bring the […]

  • Parte 6 de 10: Creando Objetivos SMART para el documento IEP

    Zoom

    Acompáñenos mientras repasamos los estándares legales de los objetivos, la fórmula para crear objetivos SMART del Programa Educativo Individualizado (IEP) y todo relacionado con los objetivos, desde los puntos de referencia hasta los objetivos a corto plazo y el objetivo anual en sí. Proveeremos ejemplos de objetivos apropiados y le ayudaremos a entender los objetivos […]

  • Using Disability Law and Domestic Abuse Protections to Avoid Eviction – Practical Tools for Advocates and Legal Service Providers

    Zoom

    Eviction is often the result of circumstances far beyond a tenant’s control—especially for people with disabilities and survivors of domestic or sexual violence. Advocates can play a critical role in stopping displacement, but only if they know how to use the full range of legal protections available.   In this webinar, attorneys from the Disability […]

  • Texas v. Kennedy (2026) — The renewed attack on Section 504 and Olmstead

    Zoom

    Nine states – Alaska, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, South Dakota, and Texas – have renewed their attack on Section 504 and our right to live in the community. In Texas v. Kennedy (2026), the states say that the updated Section 504 rules are unlawful and unconstitutional. They want to weaken the "integration mandate" […]