Education Resources
Below is a compilation of organizations that may be able to help with your legal matter related to education. Please note, Children’s Law Center does not endorse any of these agencies, and we cannot guarantee that they will be able to accept your case.
DC Resource Bridge (DCRB)
The DC Resource Bridge is a one-stop service that makes it easier for District residents to access free or low-cost civil legal help. Built in collaboration with a wide network of legal service providers, the DC Resource Bridge is designed to make access to justice simpler, fairer, and more effective. The DCRB is a free referral and navigation service that helps DC residents find legal aid based on their individual needs. Call (202) 933-HELP (4357) or Online Intake
Special Education
Advocates for Justice and Education:
Free legal services for educational issues involving children and youth, birth to 26. Focus on K-12 education, disability rights (504, IEP), and school discipline matters.
- Call (202) 678 – 8060 or Online intake
SJP’s education attorneys work with 17–22-year-olds who have been involved in DC’s juvenile or criminal legal system. SJP tries to help clients get the support and services they need to reach their education goals.
Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities:
Providing individual representation to people with developmental disabilities on issues involving capacity, self-determination, and alternatives to guardianship; disability discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations; and transition-age services for young adults still eligible for special education services.
- Call (202) 448-1450 or online intake form
Education Services – Non-Lawyer Resources
DC Board of Education, Office of the Ombudsman:
The Ombudsman’s Office will not give you a lawyer. They may be able to help you resolve issues with your child’s school through conflict resolution services. They work in the areas of student discipline, special education, truancy, student enrollment, transportation, academic progress and bullying. Call (202) 741-0886 or email om.budsman@dc.gov
Can provide information on many public education issues (DCPS and charter). The website also has many know your rights resources.
- Call (202) 741- 4692, email student.advocate@dc.gov or Online Intake
Assistive Technology & Medical Equipment
DC Assistive Technology Program (DCATP):
The DC Assistive Technology Program (DCATP) helps DC residents with disabilities and seniors increase their independence and access to the community with assistive technology (AT).
- Call (202)547-0198
DC Assistive Technology Resource Center:
Allow individuals to explore assistive technology devices that may increase their independence and functional capability.
- Call (202)547-0198 ext. 137 or email at democenter@uls-dc.org.
DC Shares (Durable Medical Equipment Recycling):
Provides free durable medical equipment to DC residents with income levels below $30,000 per year.
- (202)332-2595 or email at rtaylor@uls-dc.org
DC FUNDS (Alternative Financing Program):
This federally funded program allows DC residents to borrow money at a very low interest rate in order to purchase much-needed assistive technology devices.
- (202) 527-7036 ext. 105 or email at drucker@uls-dc.org
Equipment Connections for Children:
Supplies adaptative equipment for children living with disabilities.
- Call (240) 801-9965 or How it works
Concerns and Complaints (DC)
CARE Team (DCPS Only):
Responsible for receiving claims of discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying (based on a protected class), or any unfair treatment a student, parent or visitor encounters at a DC Public School. The CARE team collaborates with school staff to resolve issues in a timely, equitable and comprehensive manner
- Call (202) 442-5405 or email dcps.care@k12.dc.gov or Online Form
The Office of Integrity (OI) is available for general, school or student-specific inquiries and concerns from parents, students, school staff and community stakeholders. These issues can vary, including measures around safety and security for students, interactions or disputes with school staff, and coordinating academic supports to improve academic outcomes. Ideally, if an attempt to address a concern has proved unsuccessful at the school level or with Central Office administrators, stakeholders can contact OI to review the concern, complaint or allegation made. OI will investigate the concern and/or inquiry and will issue a response upon assessing the information.
- Call (202) 939 – 4913 or email dcps.cio@k12.dc.gov or online
DC Public Charter School Board (Charter Schools):
- Community Complaints: Call (202) 963 -0968, email Complaints@dcpcsb.org or online (click Schedule Virtual Meeting)
OSSE Early Learning Complaints and Unusual Incident Reporting (Daycares):
- Call (202) 727-2993 or email OSSE.ChildcareComplaints@dc.gov