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Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 04/27/2026 at 12:00 PM (EDT)
The Membership Committee is comprised of COPAA members from various geographic regions and member categories and works on activities, initiatives, and outreach geared towards membership growth, retention and expansion, identifying and addressing the needs of COPAA’s members, and addressing issues related to membership policies and their implementation. Mallory Finn, Michael Gilberg and Tal Goldin co-chair this committee. If you are not yet part of the Membership Committee, please submit your request to join by clicking here: https://connect.copaa.org/copaaconnecttab/joincommittees. This way you can access the online discussion, resources, and library for Membership.
The Membership Committee is comprised of COPAA members from various geographic regions and member categories and works on activities, initiatives, and outreach geared towards membership growth, retention and expansion, identifying and addressing the needs of COPAA’s members, and addressing issues related to membership policies and their implementation.
Mallory Finn, Michael Gilberg and Tal Goldin co-chair this committee.
If you are not yet part of the Membership Committee, please submit your request to join by clicking here: https://connect.copaa.org/copaaconnecttab/joincommittees. This way you can access the online discussion, resources, and library for Membership.
If you require accommodations, email learningcenter@copaa.org.
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Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 02/23/2026 at 6:00 PM (EST)
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 Multiple Live Events. The next is on 02/20/2026 at 11:00 AM (EST)
The Social and Racial Equity Committee focuses on COPAA's commitment to consider fully the intersectionality of disability, race, national origin, ethnic, cultural and/or religious identity, sexual/gender identity/sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status in our efforts to protect and enforce the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities and their families. David Jefferson and Chaunta Tsegaye are co-chair of this committee. If you are not yet part of the SREC Committee, please submit your request to join by clicking here: https://connect.copaa.org/copaaconnecttab/joincommittees. This way you can access the online discussion, resources, and library for the SREC community.
The Social and Racial Equity Committee focuses on COPAA's commitment to consider fully the intersectionality of disability, race, national origin, ethnic, cultural and/or religious identity, sexual/gender identity/sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status in our efforts to protect and enforce the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities and their families.
David Jefferson and Chaunta Tsegaye are co-chair of this committee.
If you require accommodations, email learningcenter@copaa.org.
If you are not yet part of the SREC Committee, please submit your request to join by clicking here: https://connect.copaa.org/copaaconnecttab/joincommittees. This way you can access the online discussion, resources, and library for the SREC community.
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Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 02/17/2026 at 12:00 PM (EST)
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 02/04/2026 at 12:00 PM (EST)
Únete a Hablemos de Educación Especial de COPAA, un encuentro virtual por Zoom en español, facilitado por Daysi Ortiz, Coordinadora de Participación Intercultural y de Español de COPAA, cada otro martes comenzando el 6 de enero a la 1:00 P.M. hora del este (10:00 AM hora del Pacifico) y miercoles a las 12 del medio dia hora del este (9:00 AM hora del Pacifico) (evento para miembros o invitados registrados)
Únete a Hablemos de Educación Especial de COPAA, un encuentro virtual por Zoom en español, facilitado por Daysi Ortiz, Coordinadora de Participación Intercultural y en Español de COPAA, cada dos semanas en martes y miercoles.
Martes a la 1:00 PM hora del Este (10:00 AM hora del Pacifico)
Miercoles a las 12:00 hora del Este (9:00 AM hora del Pacifico)En cada sesión, exploraremos temas relevantes para las familias y defensoras hispanohablantes.
Puedes esperar una conversación acogedora, centrada en la comunidad, y consejos prácticos. (Este es un espacio informativo y no constituye asesoría legal).
Membresía: Este evento exclusivo es para miembros de COPAA e invitados registrados. Visita https://learn.copaa.org/Membresia para crear una cuenta. Si necesitas ayuda, escribe a Daysi@copaa.org con el asunto: “Membership – Hablemos de Educación Especial.”
Acomodaciones: Si necesitas acomodaciones para la reunión, escribe a Daysi@copaa.org e incluye en el asunto: “Accommodations Request – Hablemos de Educación Especial.”
¡Estamos emocionados de darte la bienvenida a nuestra comunidad!Daysi Ortiz (Moderator)
Coordinadora de Participación Intercultural y en Español
COPAA
Daysi Ortiz es una defensora independiente (no abogada) y consultora educativa en educación especial. Daysi trabajó de manera independiente en California durante más de 17 años y, al mudarse a Florida, se convirtió en defensora en Disability Rights Florida. Cuenta con un certificado de estudios profesionales avanzados en Resolución Alternativa de Disputas (ADR, por sus siglas en inglés) de San Diego National University en La Jolla y es egresada de Florida Partners in Policymaking.
Daysi tiene amplia experiencia liderando talleres sobre colaboración efectiva entre familias y escuelas, transición a la vida postsecundaria y diversidad, así como seminarios web sobre derechos de las personas con discapacidad. Ha defendido a numerosas familias en múltiples estados y tiene experiencia participando en reuniones de Determinación de Manifestación (MDR), quejas estatales y audiencias de debido proceso. Daysi ha servido en varios comités asesores y juntas comunitarias enfocadas en la equidad educativa.
Miembro de COPAA desde hace muchos años, fue una de las primeras estudiantes en tomar el curso SEAT en línea en 2012 y volvio a completar SEAT 2.0 en 2024. Daysi también contribuyó a la creación del Código de Ética Voluntario para Defensores, como integrante del comité de COPAA. Es madre de hijos con discapacidades, vive con discapacidades y es una apasionada defensora bilingüe y bicultural en educación especial.
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Learn your rights under IDEA in this brief 10-minute video. Sponsored by the Oak Foundation, this video introduces key procedural safeguards to help families better understand special education law. To learn more about COPAA and explore additional learning opportunities, visit www.copaa.org and click on Learn.
Learn your rights under IDEA in this brief 10-minute video. Sponsored by the Oak Foundation, this video introduces key procedural safeguards to help families better understand special education law.
To learn more about COPAA and explore additional learning opportunities, visit www.copaa.org and click on Learn.
If you need accommodations to access these materials, please reach out to learningcenter@copaa.org. Please note: Captions are provided on recordings.
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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Una serie esencial para padres que buscan entender y participar activamente en la planificación de la transición de sus hijos con IEP hacia la vida adulta.
Esta serie de 6 partes está diseñada para empoderar a estudiantes de educación especial y a sus familias, guiándolos a través del proceso de transición a la vida después de la secundaria. Usando un lenguaje sencillo y ejemplos prácticos, "Navegando el Futuro" desglosa los requisitos de la ley IDEA para la transición, transformando lo que puede parecer un proceso complejo en un viaje emocionante y manejable. Desde la creación de un plan de transición centrado en el estudiante dentro del IEP, hasta la exploración de opciones de empleo y vida independiente, y la conexión con agencias de apoyo para adultos, esta guía ofrece el conocimiento y las herramientas para que los estudiantes tomen un rol activo en la construcción de su propio futuro exitoso.
Por Favor recuerde: COPAA revisa el contenido del Centro de Aprendizaje para asegurar su precisión; sin embargo, como las leyes pueden cambiar, le recomendamos verificar que las fuentes citadas sigan vigentes. Estos materiales son únicamente para fines educativos.
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Login with Guest and Member Account with the Login button on the left, and then click register. Join us to hear about COPAA’s new report that examines how private school choice programs are serving students with disabilities as well as the implications of the recent and rapid expansion of this movement on students going forward. When: Tuesday, January 26th at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT. This event will be recorded for on-demand viewing. If you need ADA accommodations to access this event, please contact learningcenter@copaa.org.
Login with Guest and Member Account with the login button on the left navigation and then click register to register for the event.
Join us to hear about COPAA’s new report that examines how private school choice programs are serving students with disabilities, as well as the implications of the recent and rapid expansion of this movement on students going forward.
When: Tuesday, January 26th at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT. This event will be recorded for on-demand viewing.
If you need ADA accommodations to access this event, please contact learningcenter@copaa.org.
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The Pre-Hearing to Litigation Microlearning Path includes three short videos (20-30 minutes) compiled from our attorney roundtable series. COPAA's Attorney Roundtables are brought to you by COPAA's Attorney Committee Co-Chairs Jennifer Laviano, Esq. and Craig Goodmark, Esq. The videos cover pre-hearing preparation, Due Process, and Litigation Strategies.
The Pre-Hearing to Litigation Microlearning Path includes three short videos (20-30 minutes) compiled from our attorney roundtable series. COPAA's Attorney Roundtables are brought to you by COPAA's Attorney Committee Co-Chairs Jennifer Laviano, Esq. and Craig Goodmark, Esq.
Videos
* Pre-hearing preparation with Craig Goodmark, Esq.
* Due Process with David Grey, Esq., and
* Litigation Strategies: Stay Put with Mandy Favaloro, Esq.If you need accommodations to access these materials, please reach out to learningcenter@copaa.org. Please note: Captions are provided on recordings.
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.
Craig Goodmark, Esq.
Attorney and COPAA Board Member
Goodmark Law Firm & COPAA
Since 1999, Mr. Goodmark has dedicated a majority of his practice to representing families, teachers and students in their pursuit of equality, fairness and justice in Georgia’s schools. Mr. Goodmark provides full service legal representation in all types of education law proceedings ranging from appearances at educational planning meetings to representing clients in complex federal litigation.
In addition, Mr. Goodmark works with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that students with disabilities in the most vulnerable circumstances, including court involved youth and those with mental illness or developmental disabilities, received their federally mandated right to free, appropriate public education. Working within the educational, juvenile justice and child welfare systems, Mr. Goodmark has presented to a multitude of stakeholders about the impact of the state and federal education laws on Georgia’s youth with disabilities.
Mr. Goodmark also commits a portion of his practice to securing and enforcing the constitutional rights of Georgia’s citizens. Mr. Goodmark has represented and secured positive outcomes for many clients seeking relief for the unlawful intrusion on their constitutionally guaranteed civil rights. From students unlawfully detained while at school, to teachers illegally terminated after exercising their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech, Mr. Goodmark has worked to ensure access to justice through the both state and the federal court system.
CRAIG GOODMARK AT A GLANCE
• Education Law Attorney• Represents Families, Teachers and Students with Disabilities• Focus on Special Education Matters in Georgia• Constitutional/Civil Rights Practice for Georgia’s citizens• Student/Educator First Amendment Claims• Fourth Amendment Search/Seizure Claims• Open Records/Open Meetings Act Issues
David M. Grey, Esq.
Partner
Grey & Grey
David M. Grey, Esq. is a partner with the law firm of Grey & Grey in California. David is an experienced special education attorney who has successfully handled a lot of due process hearings and appeals in state and federal court. He has experience with a broad range of special education matters. A significant number of his cases involve people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing or those who are in danger of being seriously hurt if not properly served by the school. David has a growing interest in using civil rights laws to obtain injunctive relief and damages beyond what is provided for under IDEA.
Prior to his special education practice, David focused on employment and real estate disputes, where he had many jury trials, arbitrations and administrative hearings. He is a cum laude graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University and received his law degree from Hofstra University in New York. David has lectured and written extensively on a variety of legal topics. Most recently he was successful in convincing the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse summary judgment against two of his clients in K.M. v. Tustin Unified School District, 725 F.3d 1088 (9th Cir. 2013)(cert. denied). The Ninth Circuit made clear that compliance with IDEA does not foreclose rights available under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Mandy Favaloro
Attorney
A2Z Educational Advocates
Mandy Favaloro is a partner at Casillas Favaloro, PLC. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Redlands with a B.A. in Government, and then attended law school at Pepperdine University, where she graduated with a Juris Doctor degree. While at Pepperdine, Mandy participated in the Special Education Advocacy Clinic, where she worked with families involved in the IEP process. Mandy has advocated for parents of students with disabilities at all stages of the process including IEP meetings, mediations, due process hearings and in federal court. She prepared and delivered oral arguments in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in a case involving a school district’s denial of a student’s access to school, obtaining a favorable opinion from the Ninth Circuit on the precedent setting issue of mootness of an IDEA claim upon the death of a student. Mandy is an active member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). She currently serves on the Board of Directors, as the Co-Chair of the Conference Committee and a past Chair of the Board. She previously taught SEAT 2.0 for five years. Mandy has presented at previous COPAA conferences and in webinars on a variety of special education topics and has given presentations for other organizations.
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The Advocating for LGBTQ+ Students: Equity, Safety, and Support in Special Education e-publication series offers three conference white papers: * Education Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Students: Understanding the Intersection of Disability and LGBTQ+ Identity * Creating a Safe and Affirming School Environment for LGBTQ Youth in the Era of Don't Say Gay Laws and More * Navigating Struggles for Youth who are LGBTQ+ in Public Education
The Advocating for LGBTQ+ Students: Equity, Safety, and Support in Special Education e-publication series offers three conference white papers:
* Education Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Students: Understanding the Intersection of Disability and LGBTQ+ Identity
* Creating a Safe and Affirming School Environment for LGBTQ Youth in the Era of Don't Say Gay Laws and More
* Navigating Struggles for Youth who are LGBTQ+ in Public EducationCOPAA 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.
If you require ADA Accommodations to access the materials in this e-publication path, please email learningcenter@copaa.org.
