Students with disabilities are among Mississippi’s most vulnerable. Nearly half are Black, and almost 80% come from economically disadvantaged households. Too often, these students are denied the services they need to learn and thrive. Schools fail to identify disabilities early, delay evaluations, or refuse to implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that support each child’s unique needs. As a result, students with disabilities fall behind academically and are disproportionately removed from classrooms through suspensions, expulsions, or informal pushouts.
We work to change these circumstances by advocating for systemic reforms while standing with individual students and families to enforce their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Our approach combines legal representation, policy advocacy, community education, and outreach to build an education system where every child has a real opportunity to succeed.
How We Help
We provide direct legal services and community outreach and education to support students with disabilities. We offer:
- Brief legal advice
- Parent coaching for Individualized Education Program (IEP) and other school meetings
- Know-Your-Rights clinics
- Representation at IEP and special education meetings
- Representation in dispute resolution and administrative proceedings with school districts
- Representation in school discipline proceedings, including manifestation determination reviews, suspension hearings, and expulsion hearings
- Teacher training
Resources
How To:
- Understand Procedural Safeguards
- Understand an IEP
- File a formal complaint
- Know Your Rights
- Client Intake Form EdProject Intake Form
Other Resources: