Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates

Ed Department Dismissed 90% Of Civil Rights Complaints Alarming Disability Advocates The Education Department dismissed nearly every discrimination complaint — likely including many based on disability — all while spending millions to fire staff charged with investigating such cases.

ED dismissed 90% of civil rights complaints last year, raising concerns. Transparency and oversight are crucial.
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2026/02/20/ed-department-dismissed-90-of-civil-rights-complaints-alarming-disability-advocates/31867/
#DisabilityRights #EdPolicy #CivilRights

Thank you for being part of the 28th Annual COPAA Conference! 
We hope you had a great experience. 
🎤 Listen to a closing message from CEO Denise Marshall. 

#COPAA2026 #Community

Promotional graphic for the COPAA 28th Annual Conference. Presentation title and featuring headshots of Presenter(s) and their names. Event details include Crystal Gateway Marriott, VA, March 3–8, 2026, with COPAA branding and a U.S. Capitol illustration in the background

Picture of Sponsor Ascent Behavioral Health logo

It’s time for our last breakout sessions of the conference, but first, a coffee break sponsored by Ascent Behavioral Health. 
#COPAA2026 #Breakoutsessions #sponsors

We hope you enjoy your coffee break ☕sponsored by CAPCA and Project Accelerate. Join us after the break for our first breakout sessions of the day.

A picture of Judith A. Gran

Join us for the Judith A. Gran Case Law Review an event that consistently fills the room with legal minds and enthusiasts! 
Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your knowledge and network. 
Sponsored by Reisman Gran Zuba.
 #JudithGranReview #COPAA026 #COPAAConference

Full Breakfast
Co-sponsored by: Kule-Korgood and Associates, PLLC | Law Offices of Lauren A. Baum, P.C

#breakfasttime #COPAA2026 #sponsors

When the marketing team keeps chasing after Andrew Feinstein Esq. to make conference content.
#work #humor #marketing #conference 
ALT. Funny video of intern Gillian Jambeck chasing after presenter and board member Andy Feinstein Esq.

When the marketing team keeps chasing after Andrew Feinstein Esq. to make Conference Content. 
 #work #humor #marketing #conference 
ALT. Funny video of social media intern Gillian Jambeck chasing after Board member and presenter Andrew Feinstein Esq. with a phone

Follow along for the day in the life of our social media Intern at COPPA's 28th Annual Conference 
 #marketing #intern #lawconference #dayinthelife

ALT. Video of Gillian Jambeck's Day In the Life

COPAA conference has had a very eventful day… but don’t leave yet because we have breakout session IIII from 4:45 to 6:00 PM. 

#COPAA2026 #COPAAConference #COPAAPresenters #coffeebreak

COPAA conference has had a very eventful day… but don’t leave yet because we have breakout session IIII from 4:45 to 6:00 PM.

Energize with another coffee break sponsored by Grey & Grey with breakout session III to follow, join us for the next sessions.

Promotional graphic for the COPAA 28th Annual Conference. Presentation title and featuring headshots of Presenter(s) and their names. Event details include Crystal Gateway Marriott, VA, March 3–8, 2026, with COPAA branding and a U.S. Capitol illustration in the background

Picture of Winston Preparatory School

The delicious luncheon and awards session sponsored by Winston Preparatory School followed by breakout session II continue to join us 
#luncheon #breakoutsession #COPAA2026 #awards

We hope you enjoy your coffee break ☕sponsored by NESCA. Join us after the break for our first breakout sessions of the day 
#coffeebreak #breakoutsessions #attorneys

Join Shaler Cooper from Cherokee Creek Boys School for her breakout session, Navigating Residential Options: Understanding Accreditation & Licensing Across a Continuum of Care at 1:45pm. 

#COPPA2026 #breakoutsession #speaker

Our vision for the grand ballroom was to fill it for our keynote speakers John and Mark X. Cronin and we did.
#keynote #copaa2026 #johnscrazysocks 
ALT. Video of the grand ballroom empty and video of the grand ballroom filled with people for speakers John and Mark X. Cronin

A picture of Catherine E. Lhamon

Picture of Vanaman German and a description of the Vanaman German program.

We are thrilled to welcome renowned civil rights attorney Catherine Lhamon as a speaker at the 2026 COPAA Town Hall! 
Join us for this informative session where she will share her insights and expertise.
📍 General Session Sponsored by: Vanaman German LLP 

#COPAA2026 #COPAAConference

- Promotional graphic for the COPAA 28th Annual Conference. Presentation title and featuring headshots of Presenter(s) and their names. Event details include Crystal Gateway Marriott, VA, March 3–8, 2026, with COPAA branding and a U.S. Capitol illustration in the background with an overlay that reads

Picture of Skyer Law logo

Picture of a Continental Breakfast

Kick off your conference experience!  
📅 Reg: 7 AM - 5 PM  
🤝 Meet & Greet: 8 AM  
Network with peers & leaders!  
🥐 Breakfast by Skyer Law.  
We can’t wait to see you!  

#COPAA2026

Promotional graphic for the COPAA 28th Annual Conference. Presentation title and featuring headshots of Presenter(s) and their names. Event details include Crystal Gateway Marriott, VA, March 3–8, 2026, with COPAA branding and a U.S. Capitol illustration in the background with an overlay reading COPAA Annual Fun 5K Run or 1 mile Walk

People running city road detail on their legs

Join us for the COPAA Annual Fun 5K Run or 1 Mile Walk! 
A day of fun, fitness, and community awaits. 
Bring your friends and family for some amazing memories! 
#COPAA5K #FunRun #CommunityLove

A picture of John and Mark Cronin

Join us from TONIGHT as John & Mark share their powerful story of entrepreneurship and inclusion. 
Their journey demonstrates how disabilities can truly change the world.
These inspiring keynote speakers are ones you definitely won’t want to miss!
#COPAA2026 #JohnsCrazySocks

A picture of Sandy Shove, Shemica S. Allen, and Ann Simun.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Sandy Shove, Shemica S. Allen, and Ann Simun. 
You won’t want to miss this! 
Coming soon. 

#COPAA2026

Join us TODAY, Friday, March 6, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM for our half-day sessions! Featuring headshots of Presenter(s) and their names. Event details include Crystal Gateway Marriott, VA, March 3–8, 2026, with COPAA branding and a U.S. Capitol illustration in the background.

Education Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Students: Navigating Uncharted Waters Presented by: Simone Chriss & @Sonja Kerr

Documenting a Case from A-to-Z Presented by: Law Offices of N Jane Dubovy & Emily Hart

Excited for #COPAA2026! 
Join us TODAY, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, for our half-day sessions! 
Documenting a Case from A-to-Z by: Law Offices of N Jane D & Emily H
Education Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Students: Navigating Uncharted Waters  by Simone C & Sonja K

#COPAAConference

Promotional graphic for the COPAA 28th Annual Conference. Event details include Crystal Gateway Marriott, VA, March 3–8, 2026, with COPAA branding and a U.S. Capitol illustration in the background

Picture of Connell Michael, LLP logo

Picture of attendees at previous years' enjoying Continental Breakfast

Day 2 w/ pre-conference presenters!
Registration opens at 7:00AM and closes at 5:30 PM. 
Enjoy continental breakfast, sponsored by Connell Michael, LLP..
#COPAA2026

A picture of Jennifer D. Laviano, Esq, in front of a presentation screen.

🎉 Exciting news from the 28th Annual COPAA Conference! 
Yesterday, Jennifer Esq., along w/ Craig Esq., and Michele Esq., presented a valuable session on Impartial Due Process Hearing Training. 
It's great to see such important topics being discussed in our community!
#COPAA2026  #COPAAConference

Tell Congress: Protect Children with Disabilities, Oppose Moving IDEA out of ED
 U.S. Senators - 
https://www.senate.gov/general/resources/pdf/senators_phone_list.pdf
 U.S. Representative 
https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

#COPAA #IDEA #Congress.

Shemica S. Allen, Ilana Lopez, Daysi Ortiz, and Nicole Santiago at Thursday's Evening Reception

Shemica S. Allen, Ilana Lopez, Daysi Ortiz, & Nicole Santiago attended the Thursday Evening Reception!
A huge thank you to all our 2026 sponsors for making this event possible.
Here’s to building connections and creating memories together! 
#Community #COPAA2026 #COPAAConference

A picture of Lisa Hernandez, Esq., Danielle Ward, and Parul Khemka, with two Senator staffers.

Lisa A. Hernandez, Esq., and SEAT 2 alumna Danielle Ward, alongside advocate Parul Khemka, met with Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey.
Together, we are making our voices heard! 

#Advocacy #HillDay #NewJersey #COPAA #COPAA2026

Join us for our immersive Two-Day Sessions!
Gain valuable insights from industry experts and network with like-minded individuals. 
Our presenters are excited to share their knowledge and experience with you. 
#Networking #Learning #IndustryInsights #COPAA2026

Join us for our immersive Two-Day Sessions!
Gain insights from industry experts and connect with like-minded individuals. 
Don't miss out! 

#TwoDaySessions #ExpertInsights #NetworkingOpportunity #COPAA2026 #COPAAConference

Promotional graphic for the COPAA 28th Annual Conference. Presentation title and featuring headshots of Presenter(s) and their names. Event details include Crystal Gateway Marriott, VA, March 3–8, 2026, with COPAA branding and a U.S. Capitol illustration in the background.

Join us for the COPAA Bootcamp on March 5-6, 2026! 
 Enhance your advocacy skills and connect with experts and peers.
Don’t miss out! 
#COPAABootcamp #Advocacy #EducationRights #COPAA2026