California education rights attorney Jennifer Chang authored an article in the February 2026 issue of OC Lawyer Magazine that brings much-needed clarity to one of the most misunderstood concepts in special education law: the requirements of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Her piece speaks directly to attorneys and advocates who regularly encounter overwhelmed … Read More
For many students in California, school is not a place of learning or belonging. Instead, it can be a place of fear and seclusion. Statewide data shows that bullying and harassment remain common in California schools, with particularly serious consequences for students with disabilities. When bullying interferes with a child’s ability to learn, participate, and … Read More
As the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) marks its 50th anniversary, ABILITY Magazine interviewed education rights attorney Jennifer Chang to examine how the law’s promise is holding up for students with non-visible disabilities. The article also includes insights from Senator Ed Markey, a longtime congressional champion of IDEA, emphasizing the national significance of the … Read More
California education rights attorney Jennifer Chang has been selected for inclusion in the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2025 Leaders of Influence: Thriving in Their 40s. She is profiled in the publication’s annual special issue, which celebrates the leadership of accomplished professionals making a meaningful impact in their industries and communities across the Los Angeles region. … Read More
When a student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) faces sex-based harassment or discrimination at school, the issue extends beyond special education law. Title IX, a federal civil rights law, requires schools to act when sex-based misconduct disrupts a student’s access to education. For students with disabilities, these obligations often intersect with IEP rights, directly … Read More
Students with disabilities are suspended and expelled at disproportionately high rates compared to their representation in the student body. The 2021–2022 Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) shows that students with disabilities make up 17% of U.S. public school students but represent 27% of in-school suspensions, 29% of out-of-school suspensions, and 24% of expulsions. These disparities … Read More
Annual special education awareness initiatives recognize the diverse needs and strengths of students nationwide. Through various awareness initiatives, including Dyslexia Awareness Month, ADHD Awareness Month, Down Syndrome Awareness Month, World Blindness Awareness Month, and National Bullying Prevention Month, we are reminded of the importance of inclusion, understanding, and advocacy in education. The Importance of Recognition … Read More
For parents of children with special needs, having access to clear, reliable information is essential. Understanding your child’s rights, available academic services, and educational options helps you make informed decisions and advocate more effectively for their unique needs. Guidance surrounding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), behavior plans, medical accommodations, or legal protections can help families navigate … Read More
The back-to-school season can be both exciting and overwhelming for families with children who have special needs. New classrooms, schedules, and teachers offer growth opportunities, but they can also bring stress and uncertainty. With preparation, communication, and collaboration, parents can help their children feel more comfortable and confident while ensuring educational needs are met. Education … Read More
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is designed to provide a customized approach to your child’s education. But what should you do if you disagree with that plan? Whether the disagreement involves goals, services, placement, or accommodations, it is your right as a parent or guardian of a child who needs special education to advocate for … Read More
