COPAA Annual Conference – The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) is an independent, nonprofit membership organization of special education attorneys, special education advocates, other professionals, and parents/family members. Our primary mission is to secure high quality education services for children with disabilities.  Disseminating knowledge of protections under the law, advocacy strategy, and educational best practice is an important part of leveling the playing field and enabling parents to meaningfully participate in their child’s educational programs.

Each year in the Spring members and prospective members gather for the COPAA Annual Conference. The Conference changes location each year, alternating in difference regions of the country.  2012 will be in Miami, Florida.  The COPAA Conference provides unique opportunities for training and networking with the most experienced and knowledgeable special education advocates and attorneys on special education issues. Participants attend to learn about the most recent cases, legislative changes, and the latest disability specific educational interventions. Over 400 registrants are expected to attend the conference this year.

Webinar Training – The COPAA Training Committee is conducting COPAA webinars throughout the year. Webinars are of most interest to attorneys and advocates who represent students with disabilities, as well as parents (individuals who have a family member with a disability and do not receive any income for advocacy efforts on behalf of students with disabilities).

For more information about upcoming and archived COPAA Webinar Series and Registration Information

COPAA Policy – Registration to COPAA educational events is NOT open to anyone who is employed by or receives more than 50% of his/her income from state, local, or intermediate education agencies, or, in the case of an attorney, who represents or has represented such an agency or school district within the past five years.