Matt Cohen & Associates

04/06/2026

Did you know that we offer IEP Checkups?

As we approach summer, IEP checkups are a great tool for ensuring your student's IEP will be supportive for them into the next school year 🔆

Call us: 866-787-9270
Email us: eloise@mattcohenandassociates.com

04/06/2026

Our April Newsletter is live!

Read the April edition to learn about:
🔹 The Texas lawsuit threatening at-home supports for individuals with disabilities
🔹 The impact of Trump's SAVE Act on access to voting
🔹 Chronic absenteeism trends
🔹 The status of Chicago Public School's Black Student Success Plan
🔹 and more!

Email from Matt Cohen & Associates LLC You don't want to miss this.   April 2026 newsletter This E-newsletter is devoted to sharing information about special education, disability rights, mental healt

03/25/2026

Meet Kim Milburn!

Kim's focus as an attorney is supporting accommodations for students in higher education, testing accommodations, and advising clinicians on privacy rights.

A few words from Kim: "I have been practicing in this concentration for about 13 years. As is often the case in regards to people who become involved disability rights, I was drawn to this field because I have neurodivergent children. I wanted to help other individuals with disabilities protect their rights."

Contact us today if you are interested in connecting!

03/20/2026

Interested in becoming a special education advocate?

Sign up for COPAA's Beginner Special Education Advocate Training (BSEAT).

BSEAT is designed for non-attorney special education advocates.

Beginner Special Education Advocate Training (BSEAT)TM is a national, 100% online, twelve-session course for advocates beginning their journey to become a non-attorney special education advocate. A certificate of completion is provided upon completing course requirements. 

03/18/2026

Have you read our latest newsletter?

This issue includes comments on some of the most pressing education related topics in the news right now, including:
- Proposed changes to the IDEA
- The impact of immigration raids on schools
- Private equity eyeing autism treatment centers

Read this issue and sign up for future newsletters:

Email from Matt Cohen & Associates LLC You don't want to miss this.   March 2026 newsletter This E-newsletter is devoted to sharing information about special education, disability rights, mental healt

03/06/2026

Making Good Trouble at the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. Conference!

COPAA Bootcamp group picture.

A two-day interactive workshop focused on empowering state and local systems-change agents dedicated to protecting the educational rights of students with disabilities.

Whether you’re just starting or have years of experience, this tailored track is for you.



ALT - group picture of State and local Bootcamp.

03/04/2026

Tami supports our clients and staff by taking care of the many administrative tasks that go on behind the scenes.

A word from Tami: "I was introduced to special education advocacy and law while working in a therapeutic school setting and getting a diagnosis for one of my own children. I became aware of the struggles that parents often face when getting their children the appropriate supports and accommodations they need. The process shouldn't be as difficult or complicated as it can be and I decided to transition into the legal side of special education. I've been working with Matt Cohen now for 21 years. I'm also heavily involved with church advocacy and education of congregations to ensure that they are accessible and inclusive to all. Born in Grand Rapids, MI, raised in several other states, I've lived in the Chicago suburbs since my teens."

When new clients reach out to the firm, it is likely that the first person they will talk to is Tami. Reach out today to connect!

02/24/2026

Thank you for highlighting this Jill Calian MCA Spedlaw

02/23/2026

Staff layoffs in 2025 and this administration’s anti-DEI priorities have led to major changes at the Office for Civil Rights.

New data and reports provide greater insight into the fallout of these shifts for students and their families.

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.

02/17/2026

Meet Jill Calian (she/her), one of our incredible attorneys.

A few words from Jill:
"As a parent of a child with a rare genetic disorder, I care deeply about amplifying the voice of parents/guardians in the special education process. I have practiced law in this field for approximately 10 years and have been involved with special education policy advocacy for over 20 years. I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and have lived in the Chicago area for almost all my life."

Jill supports families through a variety of legal processes relating to special education services, including through mediation and due process. Reach out today to connect or follow her on Facebook at Jill Calian MCA Spedlaw

02/12/2026

An interesting look into financial relationship between CPS and the city's charter schools.

After a rough year in which several charters have announced closure or asked Chicago Public Schools for help with cash flow issues, a new district working group is brainstorming solutions and tackling a key question: Is the problem district underfunding, charter mismanagement, or both?

12/07/2025

The Dept of Ed is cutting funds for research on effective education, better training of teachers and mental health services, but they are now giving a grant to support understanding of the right to bear arms under the Second Amendment. Unbelievable hypocrisy but another sign of their inhumanity.

The Department of Education is providing a new grant to the University of Wyoming's College of Law's Fi****ms Research Center to implement pro-2A education.

The program equips teachers with primary source documents, classroom-friendly video content, and meaningful engagement with 2A scholars via webinars and an in-person conference.

This is the latest move in Donald J. Trump's agenda to protect and promote our Second Amendment rights.

Get the full details from Bearing Arms' Cam Edwards ⬇️

https://bearingarms.com/camedwards/2025/12/02/department-of-education-wants-to-develop-pro-2a-curriculum-n1230779