News & Updates - Arizona Center for Disability Law (ACDL)

Special Education for Students in Detention Centers, Prisons and Jails: Dispute Resolution

Posted by ACDL on June 14, 2019 | 0 Comments

By Amanda Glass, Equal Justice Works Legal Fellow * Although the federal laws and regulations governing special education encourage parents and public education agencies to work collaboratively in the best interests of children, disputes sometimes arise. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its implementing regulations require states to develop specific methods for resolving special education disputes, including mediation, due process complaints, and […]

ACDL Encourages ADE to Provide Better Guidance to Students with Disabilities Concerning Graduation

Posted by ACDL on May 30, 2019 | 0 Comments

The month of May is a time of celebration for many high school graduates and their families. However, some students with disabilities face struggles related to graduation. Recently, the Arizona Center for Disability Law (ACDL) submitted written position statements encouraging the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to finalize and issue desperately-needed guidance to Arizona school districts to ensure they comply with the federally-protected rights […]

Special Education for Students in Detention Centers, Prisons and Jails: IDEA Rights and Protections

Posted by ACDL on May 10, 2019 | 0 Comments

Part 1 of a 3-Part Blog By Amanda Glass, Equal Justice Works Legal Fellow* In 2016, of the approximately 120,000 students receiving special education services in Arizona, 240 were receiving services in correctional facilities, such as detention centers, jails, juvenile correctional facilities, and prisons. These settings are called “secure care facilities.” The fact that a student with a disability has been charged with a […]

Is it Time to Think About High School Graduation?

Posted by ACDL on April 18, 2019 | 0 Comments

It is never too soon to check in with your school district about proposed graduation plans for your son or daughter, if they are in special education and at least 16 years old. Some parents report that public school districts and charter schools act to graduate students with disabilities who have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) once they have completed their minimum required credit hours for graduation, […]

Jean Fairfax, Civil Rights Pioneer

Posted by ACDL on March 8, 2019 | 0 Comments

ACDL celebrates the life and work of Jean Fairfax, an unsung heroine of the civil rights movement. Ms. Fairfax committed her life to civil rights and social justice. She was a force for over 40 years from organizing black families in school desegregation cases in rural communities and led the effort to reform the National School Lunch program. Her work with both the NAACP Legal […]

Recap of 2019 African American Conference on Disabilities

Posted by ACDL on February 27, 2019 | 0 Comments

The 8th Annual African American Conference on Disabilities was a great success! Over 300 people participated in sessions that covered topics from Preventing Abuse of People with Disabilities, Addressing Mental Health in the African American Community and Child Advocacy and the African American Family, among others. Participants also heard from several guest speakers, including Maria Cristina Fuentes, Director of the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family, Rep. […]

ACDL Board Member Opportunity

Posted by ACDL on February 22, 2019 | 0 Comments

The Arizona Center for Disability Law, the Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system for Arizonans with disabilities is seeking nominations for its Board of Directors. Our Mission The Arizona Center for Disability Law (ACDL) is a non-profit law firm that assists Arizonans with disabilities to promote and protect their legal rights to independence, justice, and equality. Our Work ACDL is mandated by federal laws […]

Save the Date! ACDL’s 25th Anniversary Celebration

Posted by ACDL on February 12, 2019 | 0 Comments

The Arizona Center for Disability Law is celebrating 25 years of advancing disability rights. Join us as we honor Tim Hogan, former Executive Director of the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest & Arizona State Representative Jennifer Longdon. This 25th Anniversary event will include music, food, drink, and a silent auction, with all proceeds benefitting ACDL’s work in advancing the rights of Arizonans […]

Special Report: Preventing Sexual Abuse of Arizonans with Developmental Disabilities

Posted by ACDL on January 30, 2019 | 0 Comments

The Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (ADDPC) has released a report with recommendations for the Arizona State Legislature and state agencies to prevent sexual abuse of Arizonans with developmental disabilities. ACDL has partnered with the ADDPC on this very important issue. The report “Sexual Abuse of Arizonans with Developmental and Other Disabilities” includes specific actions state agencies, providers, families, and others should take to […]

Registration Now Open for 8th Annual African American Conference on Disabilities

Posted by ACDL on December 19, 2018 | 0 Comments

Registration is now open for the 8th Annual African American Conference on Disabilities. This is the only comprehensive conference that addresses legal rights issues at the intersection of race and disability. The conference examines avenues for legal advocacy to ensure the effective provision of services and enforcement of civil rights in the African American and disability communities. Hosted by the Arizona Center for Disability Law […]

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