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Includes a Live Web Event on 07/28/2026 at 1:00 PM (EDT)
Attorney Roundtables are brought to you by COPAA's Attorney Committee, co-chaired by Craig Goodmark and Jennifer Laviano. The July topic is Attorney Fees led by Jon Zimring, Esq. The first 30 minutes frame the issue, and the remaining 30 minutes are for an open discussion on cases, trends, strategies, best practices, etc. on the topic. If you require ADA accommodations to access the online event, please email learningcenter@copaa.org.
Attorney Roundtables are brought to you by COPAA's Attorney Committee, co-chaired by Craig Goodmark and Jennifer Laviano. The July topic is Attorney Fees led by Jon Zimring, Esq. The first 30 minutes frame the issue, and the remaining 30 minutes are for an open discussion on cases, trends, strategies, best practices, etc. on the topic.
If you require ADA accommodations to access the online event, please email learningcenter@copaa.org.
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Includes a Live Web Event on 06/23/2026 at 1:00 PM (EDT)
Join this active community, which meets twice weekly via Zoom for training and discussion tailored to non-attorney special education advocates and allied professionals. Captions are provided. If you need accommodations, please contact learningcenter@copaa.org.
Join this active community, which meets twice weekly via Zoom for training and discussion tailored to non-attorney special education advocates and allied professionals. Captions are provided.
If you need accommodations, please contact learningcenter@copaa.org.
Cynthia Daniels Hall
COPAA Board Member & Founder of Every Child Solutions
COPAA & Every Child Solutions
Cynthia Daniels Hall (NC), is the parent of children with diagnoses on the autism spectrum. Cynthia is a special education advocate and owner of Every Child Solutions, a special education advocacy business. Cynthia is an COPAA board member, a Black American female born in the southeast, raised in the northeast, and now lives in North Carolina. As a person who was raised in a family of educators, and as the parent of young adults with disabilities, she understands the process from a unique and personal perspective. Cynthia understands how the inconsistent implementation of special education laws by public school systems affects parents and their children. As a military spouse, having lived in six states, she realizes that when helping parents obtain a free appropriate public education for their children in the least restrictive environment, any solution must be tailored to their individual child and their situation. Cynthia interest in serving on COPAA's Board and as Chair of the Advocate committee is non-attorney special education advocate training that promotes the development of knowledge and skills to support, inform, and empower parent participation in the special education process.
David Beinke
Director Of Community Development & Education at Cirkiel Law
COPAA
David Beinke, former Director of Advocacy with the Cirkiel Law Group from 97-2021, now Advocate Nomad, provides a unique brand of support for children with disabilities and fellow advocates in their educational and community environment in the state of Texas and beyond in his “ Hotel Prius” After serving in the Marines, his career path started when he began working at Denton State School in 1977 in the Texas mental health/intellectual disability system.
David helps families in all areas of IDEA, as well as entitlement and benefits such as State VR, SSA, Medicaid Waiver Program, etc. As a musician, he frequents the various summer musical venues in the Central Texas area as a drummer. He is a long-time COPAA member, co-chair of the COPAA Advocate Committee, TOPAA Board member, and former COPAA Board of Directors sitting member.
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Includes a Live Web Event on 06/18/2026 at 6:00 PM (EDT)
Meetings led by the Parent Committee on topics identified by COPAA Parent Members as important. The meetings are monthly. The first portion of the meeting is recorded (when the presenter is framing a topic), the discussion portion is not recorded.
Meetings led by the Parent Committee on topics identified by COPAA Parent Members as important. The meetings are monthly. The first portion of the meeting is recorded (when the presenter is framing a topic), the discussion portion is not recorded.
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Includes a Live Web Event on 06/17/2026 at 1:00 PM (EDT)
Attorney Roundtables are brought to you by COPAA's Attorney Committee, co-chaired by Craig Goodmark and Jennifer Laviano. The June topic is Cross of an Expert led by Jen Laviano, Esq. The first 30 minutes frame the issue, and the remaining 30 minutes are for an open discussion on cases, trends, strategies, best practices, etc. on the topic. If you require ADA accommodations to access the online event, please email learningcenter@copaa.org.
Attorney Roundtables are brought to you by COPAA's Attorney Committee, co-chaired by Craig Goodmark and Jennifer Laviano. The June topic is Cross of an Expert led by Jen Laviano, Esq. The first 30 minutes frame the issue, and the remaining 30 minutes are for an open discussion on cases, trends, strategies, best practices, etc. on the topic.
If you require ADA accommodations to access the online event, please email learningcenter@copaa.org.
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Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 06/16/2026 at 12:00 PM (EDT)
Join us for this monthly session to welcome new members to the COPAA community and provide an overview of your membership. We review the website functionally, explain how to access key resources and of course, questions and answers. Learn how to make the most of your COPAA membership! If you do not yet have a COPAA membership, please first apply here (https://www.copaa.org/page/joinus). Once approved, you will be able to register!
Join us for this monthly session to welcome new members to the COPAA community and provide an overview of your membership. We review the website functionally, explain how to access key resources and of course, questions and answers. Learn how to make the most of your COPAA membership!
If you do not yet have a COPAA membership, please first apply here. Once approved, you will be able to register!
If you require accommodations, email learningcenter@copaa.org.
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Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 06/10/2026 at 1:00 PM (EDT)
This group serves as a place for COPAA members active or hoping to become more active in policy advocacy to learn, share resources and increase their effectiveness as change makers in their local community and state. COPAA serves as the group convener, providing online space and assistance for individuals and groups to collaborate as part of a vibrant community. Please reach out to the group manager Chris Roe if you have questions: chris@copaa.org. If you need accommodations to participate, please contact learningcenter@copaa.org.
This group serves as a place for COPAA members active or hoping to become more active in policy advocacy to learn, share resources and increase their effectiveness as change makers in their local community and state. COPAA serves as the group convener, providing online space and assistance for individuals and groups to collaborate as part of a vibrant community. Please reach out to the group manager Chris Roe if you have questions: chris@copaa.org.
If you need accommodations to participate, please contact learningcenter@copaa.org.
Chris Roe
Director of State Policy (COPAA)
COPAA
Chris Roe serves as Director of State Policy for the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates. In this role, he supports COPAA members in advocating for policies that support students with disabilities at the state and local levels. In addition, Roe currently serves as the co-chair of the Special Education Advisory Council for New Orleans Public Schools and co-founded Sunshine Parents, an advocacy and support group that empowers parents and guardians of students with disabilities to successfully advocate for their students at the school and district level. Roe is also the founder and President of EnAbled Learning Partners, which supports families, organizations and agencies in strengthening special education programs and policy. Roe received his Master’s of Public Policy from the University of California-Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy and his B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Roe lives in New Orleans, Louisiana where he and his husband are raising two young boys, both of whom attend public schools and have a range of learning disabilities.
Courtney Hansen
State & Local Policy Coordinator
COPAA
Courtney Hansen is a passionate special education advocate, educator, and parent based in Northern Colorado. A former journalist, teacher, and military spouse, she’s fought for inclusive education across six states—driven by her experience raising a child with Down syndrome.
Courtney is an instructor for COPAA’s SBEAT advocacy training and serves as its State & Local Policy Coordinator. With a Master’s in Education and years in the classroom, she now champions inclusive IEPs and systemic reform focused on belonging and meaningful inclusion at every level.
Through her blog, Inclusion Evolution, and her advocacy services—offered in Colorado, Wyoming, and nationwide—Courtney empowers families and educators to ensure every child with a disability learns alongside their nondisabled peers.
Lucia Frohling
State & Local Policy Coordinator
COPAA
Lucia Frohling is a passionate advocate, former public school teacher, and Director of Parent Services at an education non-profit. A mother of three, her journey began when two of her children were diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia, inspiring her to lead efforts that improve education policy and access to evidence-based interventions. Lucia also serves on the State & Local Advocacy team with COPAA, helping build a network of advocates driving systemic change for students with disabilities. She advises multiple state agencies, serves on several education boards and councils, and is deeply committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
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Attorney Roundtables are brought to you by COPAA's Attorney Committee, co-chaired by Craig Goodmark and Jennifer Laviano. The May topic is Managing the IEP Meeting led by Tal Goldin, Esq. The first 30 minutes frame the issue, and the remaining 30 minutes are for an open discussion on cases, trends, strategies, best practices, etc. on the topic. Sponsored by Winston Preparatory School Provided at no cost to COPAA members due to sponsorship by Winston Preparatory School. If you require ADA accommodations to access the online event, please email learningcenter@copaa.org.
Attorney Roundtables are brought to you by COPAA's Attorney Committee, co-chaired by Craig Goodmark and Jennifer Laviano. The May topic is Managing the IEP Meeting led by Tal Goldin, Esq. The first 30 minutes frame the issue, and the remaining 30 minutes are for an open discussion on cases, trends, strategies, best practices, etc. on the topic.
Sponsored by Winston Preparatory School
Provided at no cost to COPAA members due to sponsorship by Winston Preparatory School.If you require ADA accommodations to access the online event, please email learningcenter@copaa.org.
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Understanding Autism & The Legal Landscape Learning Path includes the following webinars and associated materials. Webinar 1: Is this Autism? Understanding how autism can present in individuals who mask their autistic traits Historically, autism research and diagnostic tools have primarily focused on the presentation of males. A growing body of research indicates that autism can present differently in females and as a result, is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Through case studies, we will discuss both the DSM5 and special education eligibility criteria for autism through the lens of these new findings. The associated white paper and slide deck are included with the webinar. Webinar 2: Putting Together the Pieces of the Autism Litigation Puzzle: Key Case Examples of Current Trends and Topics Autism spectrum disorders pose unique challenges for parents, educators, attorneys, and decisionmakers. Autism is a relatively high-incidence disability, having doubled in recent years to almost 13% of students served under the IDEA, and courts continue to struggle with cases involving students on the spectrum. This session will examine the latest developments in autism-related IDEA caselaw, focusing on emerging issues from recent court decisions and lessons for litigants. The associated white paper and slide deck are included with the webinar. Webinar 3: The Company Autism Keeps: Understanding Complex Presentations of Autism Spectrum Disorder Uncover the challenges of diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) alongside common comorbidities like anxiety, ADHD, trauma, OCD, and learning disabilities. This presentation explores how neuropsychological evaluations help clarify symptoms and offers practical strategies to tailor interventions for individuals, families, attorneys, and advocates supporting these complex cases. This learning path is brought to you at no cost thanks to MassMutual SpecialCare If you require ADA accommodations to access the materials, please email learningcenter@copaa.org. COPAA reviews the content in the Learning Center for accuracy, but because the law can change, please be sure to check that cited sources are still current law. Materials are for educational purposes only.
Understanding Autism & The Legal Landscape: Free for COPAA Members Learning Path includes the three webinars listed below and their associated materials.
Webinar 1: Is this Autism? Understanding how autism can present in individuals who mask their autistic traits
Historically, autism research and diagnostic tools have primarily focused on the presentation of males. A growing body of research indicates that autism can present differently in females and as a result, is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Through case studies, we will discuss both the DSM5 and special education eligibility criteria for autism through the lens of these new findings. The associated white paper and slide deck are included with the webinar.Webinar 2: Putting Together the Pieces of the Autism Litigation Puzzle: Key Case Examples of Current Trends and Topics
Autism spectrum disorders pose unique challenges for parents, educators, attorneys, and decisionmakers. Autism is a relatively high-incidence disability, having doubled in recent years to almost 13% of students served under the IDEA, and courts continue to struggle with cases involving students on the spectrum. This session will examine the latest developments in autism-related IDEA caselaw, focusing on emerging issues from recent court decisions and lessons for litigants. The associated white paper and slide deck are included with the webinar.Webinar 3: The Company Autism Keeps: Understanding Complex Presentations of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Uncover the challenges of diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) alongside common comorbidities like anxiety, ADHD, trauma, OCD, and learning disabilities. This presentation explores how neuropsychological evaluations help clarify symptoms and offers practical strategies to tailor interventions for individuals, families, attorneys, and advocates supporting these complex cases.Sponsored By: MassMutual Special Care
This learning path is brought to you at no cost thanks to MassMutual SpecialCareIf you require ADA accommodations to access the materials, please email learningcenter@copaa.org.
COPAA reviews the content in the Learning Center for accuracy, but because the law can change, please be sure to check that cited sources are still current law. Materials are for educational purposes only.
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This learning path equips advocates and allied professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support English Learners (ELs) and immigrant families within the special education system. Through two focused webinars, participants will explore the unique challenges EL students face and gain practical strategies for identifying and addressing their educational needs. Webinar: Working with Immigrant Families: Cultural, Legal, and Ethical Considerations, Amber Banks and Shelsy Delgado. A PDF of the associated slide deck and white paper is also included. Webinar: The challenges of understanding what English Language Learners need, Luisa Hernandez Medellin. A PDF of the associated slide deck and white paper is also included. If you need ADA Accommodations to access this content, please email learningcenter@copaa.org. COPAA reviews the content in the Learning Center for accuracy, but because the law can change, please be sure to check that cited sources are still current law. Materials are for educational purposes only. Sponsored by Vanaman German This learning path is made available at no cost to participants through the generous support of Vanaman German LLP.
This learning path equips advocates and allied professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support English Learners (ELs) and immigrant families within the special education system. Through two focused webinars, participants will explore the unique challenges EL students face and gain practical strategies for identifying and addressing their educational needs.
Webinar: Working with Immigrant Families: Cultural, Legal, and Ethical Considerations, Amber Banks and Shelsy Delgado. A PDF of the associated slide deck and white paper is also included.
Webinar: The challenges of understanding what English Language Learners need, Luisa Hernandez Medellin. A PDF of the associated slide deck and white paper is also included.Sponsored by Vanaman German LLP
This learning path is made available at no cost to participants through the generous support of Vanaman German LLP.If you need ADA Accommodations to access this content, please email learningcenter@copaa.org.
COPAA reviews the content in the Learning Center for accuracy, but because the law can change, please be sure to check that cited sources are still current law. Materials are for educational purposes only. -
As the lead voice for the civil and educational rights of children with disabilities and their families, the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) has released Special Education Dispute Resolution: A Critical Safeguard for IDEA’s Guarantee of Equal Education for Students with Disabilities. The report examines the role and strengths of the dispute resolution system available under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), clarifies how families use available due process options, and identifies areas for improvement that can be made without amending current law. If you need ADA Accommodation to access the captioned webinar and report, please email learningcenter@copaa.org.
As the lead voice for the civil and educational rights of children with disabilities and their families, the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) has released Special Education Dispute Resolution: A Critical Safeguard for IDEA’s Guarantee of Equal Education for Students with Disabilities.
The report examines the role and strengths of the dispute resolution system available under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), clarifies how families use available due process options, and identifies areas for improvement that can be made without amending current law.
If you need ADA Accommodation to access the captioned webinar and report, please email learningcenter@copaa.org.
