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The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. (COPAA) is an independent, nonprofit, national organization, mostly volunteer run, that protects the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities and their families.  From the IEP table to the White House, our unrivaled peer-to-peer network of parents, family members, advocates, attorneys and related professions is everywhere the voices of students and parents need to be heard.

COPAA members believe in possibility for each student. We are premised on the belief that every child has the right to a high-quality education and an equal opportunity to achieve his or her full academic potential. States, school districts and schools have an obligation under federal and state law to ensure that each eligible student receives an individualized education that prepares them for work, college, and participation in his or her chosen community.

COPAA is a community that works to increase the quality and quantity of advocate and attorney representation; and, through that vehicle, achieve better outcomes for the families we serve. We believe the key to accessing individualized, effective educational programs is assuring that students with disabilities and their parents are equal members of the educational team.

The COPAA community is open to anyone who works primarily from the family perspective, interested in connecting with like minded folks from across the country who are changing the lives of families of students with disabilities; using both the letter and intent of the law to support their sons and daughters to thrive and to achieve. We work at the local, state and federal levels in the courts and at the policy table to assure equity in education and quality, meaningful programs that give all students a chance to succeed.  We work to make school a place where every student has the support and quality instruction they need to learn and grow.