Matt Cohen & Associates

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?

02/11/2026

We’re excited to share the February edition of our firm newsletter! Each month, our team brings you important updates on:

🔹 Special education and disability rights news
🔹 Announcements from our attorneys and advocates
🔹 Upcoming events

Read it and sign up here: https://conta.cc/3M33MK8

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

11/27/2025

On this, the 50Th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, many thanks to all those that helped to secure the passage of the law, to those that are fighting to preserve it today and to the educators, clinicians, caregivers and especially all the parents who work tirelessly every day to improve the lives of kids with disabilities. A special thanks to my staff, who are devoted to promoting improved educational opportunities and life experiences for all the kids we work with.
Happy Thanksgiving to one and all.
Matt Cohen

11/03/2025

Check out our website at www.mattcohenandassociates.com

10/14/2025

Trump just fired most of the staff of the U.S. Department of Education Offices of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services and Office of Special Education Programs, effectively gutting most of the administration of federal special education programs in the United States. Read COPAA's statement in opposition. Contact your Senators and Congresspeople to express your objection. A link to do so is embedded in the COPAA statement : You can access it at:

09/17/2025

If you have experienced a cut to your child's aides or staff at CPS, we would be happy to talk to you further about that.

WBEZ found that CPS cut about 1,000 positions last spring. Then, weeks into this school year, it opened hundreds of new jobs. The district says this approach helps ensures all schools get proper staffing.