The Special Ed Advocacy Center (“SEAC”), established April 2004, is a non-profit, §501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is to ensure that children with disabilities in the Chicago metropolitan area receive all appropriate educational services provided under current law. The SEAC service area includes: Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties.

The SEAC accomplishes its mission by providing free legal representation to low-income parents and caregivers of children with disabilities seeking to obtain appropriate educational and early intervention services for their children; educating parents and caregivers, school personnel and others through conducting programs concerning their rights and responsibilities under current special education law; and increasing public awareness and understanding of special education law.

Between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008, the SEAC assisted 497 families by answering intake calls and representing parents and caregivers; conducted two dozen educational seminars; and participated in numerous educational programs for law students, educators and the special needs community.