Thomas S. Nelson | Parent Resources on Special Education

"Mr. Nelson represented our daughter, who was inappropriately removed from her high school. Thanks to his advocacy, this injustice was reversed. He was highly professional, very competent and knowledgeable, and yet very compassionate. He listened and was totally attentive to detail. I don’t believe we would have had such a positive outcome if we had not been fortunate enough to have found Mr. Nelson." ~ Parent

On this webpage, I've included useful resources that will help you become a better advocate for your child. The purpose of this section is to provide high quality resources on topics parents frequently inquire about. Remember: If you need legal advice or an evaluation, there is no substitute for a free consultation.

For Community Resources, News & Updates:

Local Support Groups, Information and Newsletters

Valeries List
Down Syndrome Society, San Diego
Autism Society, San Diego
CHADD, San Diego
ARC, San Diego
Learning Disabilities Association, San Diego
United Cerebral Palsy, San Diego
TACA (Talk About Curing Autism)
PHP (Parents Helping Parents)

Special Needs Connection
Easter Seals
Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK)
Dyslexia Association, San Diego
Epilepsy Foundation, San Diego
Exceptional Family Resource Center
Spina Bifida Association, San Diego
Muscular Dystrophy Association

Education Resources for Parents

Thomas Nelson's Education Articles		Helpful Articles on Assessments, IEPs, Discipline, Manifestation Determination Meetings, and General Education Discipline

Wrights's Law		Helpful Information on Special Education Rights, Assessment, IEPs, and Special Education Laws

COPAA		Information About Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Emotional Disturbance, ADHD, Special Learning Disabilities, Speech Language, Dyslexia, Epilepsy

Protection and Advocacy		Information on Assessments, IEPs, discipline, manifestation determination meetings, pre-school services, and eligibility

California Education Code		Includes the specific acts that can lead to a suspension or expulsion

California Department of Education		California grade level standards for reading, writing, and math

From Emotions to Advocacy		Advocacy guide for parents

Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act		Federal law on special education rights

Alpine Union Elementary
Bonsall Union Elementary
Borrego Springs Unified
Cajon Valley Union
Cardiff Elementary
Carlsbad Unified
Chula Vista Elementary
Coronado Unified
Dehesa Elementary
Del Mar Union Elementary
Encinitas Union Elementary
Escondido Union
Escondido Union High
Fallbrook Union Elementary
Fallbrook Union High
Grossmont Union High
Jamul-Dulzura Union Elementary
Julian Union Elementary
Julian Union High
La Mesa-Spring Valley
Lakeside Union Elementary
Lemon Grove

Mountain Empire Unified
National Elementary
Oceanside Unified
Poway Unified
Ramona City Unified
Rancho Santa Fe Elementary
San Diego County Office of Education
San Diego County ROP
San Diego Unified
San Dieguito Union High
San Marcos Unified
San Pasqual Union Elementary
San Ysidro Elementary
Santee Elementary
SBC - High Tech High
Solana Beach Elementary
South Bay Union Elementary
Spencer Valley Elementary
Sweetwater Union High
Vallecitos Elementary
Valley Center-Pauma Unified
Vista Unified
Warner Unified

UHS - Rancho San Diego Academy
Encinitas Learning Center
AIM HIGH-Mt. Helix Academy - The Institute for Effective Education (TIEE Site 4)
NewBridge
Pioneer Day School, Inc.
San Diego Center for Children Academy
Fred Finch Youth Center
T.E.R.I., Inc. The Learning Academy
ACES Academy

Arch Academy
Aseltine
Balboa City
Banyan Tree Foundations Academy - Mira Mesa
Excelsior Academy
Sierra Academy of San Diego
Springall Academy
Winston
New Haven
SAILS - Mar Vista

A free consultation provides valuable insight.

Thomas offers free phone consultations and in person IEP evaluations because he values the importance of an objective assessment of your child’s program. Because of the "Attorney Fee Recovery" provision under the IDEA, he often works with clients on limited incomes. Before concluding that you are unable to afford an attorney, call for a free evaluation so you'll have the power to direct the next step. Thomas Nelson is here for you!

The information and materials contained in this Web site do not create and are not intended to create an attorney-client relationship between you and the Special Education Advocacy & Law Firm of Thomas S. Nelson. Please be advised that no attorney-client relationship is established until a written agreement is executed between you and Special Education Advocacy & Law Firm of Thomas S. Nelson. Do not send confidential documents without express prior approval.

Links provided on this Web site are for informational purposes only. The Special Education Advocacy & Law Firm of Thomas S. Nelson is not responsible for the contents or accuracy of the materials linked to this web site. The Legal authority used on this site is based upon Federal and California state law. Please consult your specific state laws for the legal authority that applies to the topics covered in this site.