District of Columbia Guides
United States-Wide Guides
These apply to all families of children with disabilities in United States:
General Resources
These guides work no matter where you live:
Articles for District of Columbia
Best Transition Resource for Parents of Teens with Significant Support Needs
Why transition planning is hardest for families of teens with autism, I/DD, and complex medical needs — and what a comprehensive resource must cover.
How to Prepare for the SSI Age-18 Redetermination Without a Benefits Planner
Step-by-step preparation for the SSI age-18 redetermination: documentation strategy, the 10-day appeal window, and what to do if you can't afford a pr…
DC IEP Advocacy Toolkit vs. Free OSSE and AJE Resources: What's the Difference?
DC has excellent free special education resources from OSSE and AJE. Here's when they're enough — and when a paid advocacy toolkit fills the gap.
How Much Does a DC Special Education Attorney Cost in 2026?
Real costs for DC special education attorneys and advocates — hourly rates, retainers, fee-shifting, and how to decide what level of help you actually…
Best Way to Prepare for an IEP Eligibility Meeting Using Evaluation Data
How to use your child's evaluation scores — WISC-V, Woodcock-Johnson, BASC-3 — to prepare specific, data-backed arguments for the eligibility meeting …
How to Document Compensatory Education Under DC's Reid Standard Without an Attorney
DC's Reid standard rejects hour-for-hour compensatory education calculations. Learn how to document the qualitative evidence DC hearing officers actua…
Best Special Education Rights Resource for Parents Who Can't Afford an Attorney
The best special education resources for parents who can't afford a $300-$700/hour attorney. Free and low-cost options for enforcing your child's IDEA…
How to Plan for Life After High School with a Disability Without a Transition Consultant
You don't need a $125/hour consultant to navigate SSI, Medicaid waivers, and VR services. Here's the DIY approach that covers 90% of the work.
Special Education Rights Guide vs Hiring an Advocate: Which Do You Need First?
Compare using a special education rights guide versus hiring an advocate. Learn when each option makes sense, what they cost, and which gives you the …
Best Resource to Understand Your Child's Evaluation Report Before the IEP Meeting
Your child's eligibility meeting is this week. Here's the fastest way to understand the evaluation report — scores, scatter, and eligibility — before …