Advocacy for Children 
Helpful Guides
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- The Public School's Special Education System as an Assistive Technology Funding Source: The Cutting Edge (PDF)
Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
This guide was published to reach a primary audience of attorneys and advocates and was last revised in 2003. It is a comprehensive look at the rights of students with disabilities under the IDEA and section 504. NLS has plans to update the guide in 2016. Additional resources may be found at this NLS National AT Advocacy Project webpage.
- The Parents How-To Guide To Children's Mental Health Services In Massachusetts (PDF)
Bar Association With Support By Children's Hospital Boston
This excellent, comprehensive, and readable 'How-to Guide' for parents of children with mental health issues has been published by the Boston Bar Association with support from Children's Hospital Boston.
- Family Ties of Massachusetts: Directory of Resources for Families of Children and Youth with Special Needs (PDF)
Federation of Children with Special Needs and the Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health
The Directory of Resources is a starting point for families and providers looking for
information and resources. Check out the listing of national and state-level advocacy and legal organizations on page 9.
Organizations
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Federation for Children with Special Needs
The Federation for Children with Special Needs provides information, support, and assistance to parents of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities. Opportunities include trainings and workshops for parents and others on understanding and navigating MassHealth and the education system.
For more information:
1135 Tremont Street, Suite 420
Boston, MA, 02120 US
Email: fcsninfo@fcsn.org
Phone: (617) 236-7210/(800) 331-0688
Fax: (617) 572-2094
Federation for Children with Special Needs website
Massachusetts Advocates for Children
The MAC's Special Education initiative serves parents of children with disabilities, advocates and educators. Staff can provide parents with the information, referral, and advocacy services they need to ensure their children can participate in mainstream public education and obtain equal educational opportunities.
25 Kingston Street, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 357-8431 x224 MAC Helpline
Mass Advocates website
Disability Law Center
The DLC provides advocacy, information, or referral for requests for disability related advocacy.
In the Boston area call:
Phone: (617) 723-8455/(800) 872-9992
TTY: (617) 227-9464/(800) 381-0577
In western Massachusetts:
Phone: (413) 584-6337 / (800) 222-5619
TTY: (413) 582-691
Disability Law Center website
