Education Rights Counsel

Meet Alex, a 10-year-old whose love for science and learning is unstoppable. Despite facing challenges with dyslexia, Alex thrives in a classroom that understands his needs–thanks to Section 504. Without those protections, Alex might be given inaccessible learning materials and rushed through tests, stifling his love of learning and changing his path in life from college and career success to high school drop-out. Section 504 ensures ALL children have the opportunity to achieve their highest potential and grow into thriving adults. Have you benefitted from Section 504 protections? Share your story in the comments below. #FacesOf504 #SaveSection504 #EducationRights #EducationForAll #TexasVBecerra #DisabilityRightsAreCivilRights

"One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world." – Malala Yousafzai ??? Every girl deserves the chance to learn, grow, and create her own future! This #WomensHistoryMonth, we’re standing up for education access because when girls thrive, entire communities thrive. Let’s break down barriers and build a world where every girl gets the education she deserves! ???? #LetGirlsLearn #EducationForAll #WomensHistoryMonth #EducationRightsCounsel #OmahaNonprofit #NebraskaNonprofit #ERC

ERC is honored to collaborate with Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy County juvenile courts to protect the education rights of children in the system. ?? If you know a child who may need ERC’s assistance, please encourage their public defender or Guardian ad Litem to connect with us. Every child deserves a fair chance at education and a brighter future. #JusticeForYouth #EducationForAll #StudentRights #SupportOurKids #Nebraska #EducationRightsCounsel #OmahaNonprofit #NebraskaNonprofit #ERC

ERC is fielding numerous questions concerning the impacts of the changing immigration enforcement on schools, students and staff. While every school district will have its own specific approach to what should happen if ICE were to show up at school, ERC is deeply concerned about not just this scenario, but all the impacts that detention and deportation have on students and their rights. ?? To read more, click here: https://lnkd.in/gDHFiz2U #ProtectStudents #SafeClassrooms #EducationForAll #StudentSafety #EducationRightsCounsel #OmahaNonprofit #NebraskaNonprofit #ERC

?? Snow days and freezing temps mean unexpected breaks from school but did you know that extended time away can impact your child’s learning progress? ?? Now is the time to check in on your child’s growth and consider if Extended School Year (ESY) services might be needed! ?? ESY is designed for students with IEPs who may lose skills over school breaks or are close to a learning breakthrough. Schools should use data, not assumptions, to determine eligibility. If ESY wasn’t discussed in your child’s IEP meeting, it’s time to ask! ?? ESY is not summer school. It’s free, flexible, and tailored to your child’s needs. It can happen over the summer, after school, or even during winter/spring break. Want to learn more? Call ERC at 402-263-6200 for a consult! #SpecialEducation #IEP #ESY #LearningMatters #ParentAdvocacy #EducationRightsCounsel #OmahaNonprofit #NebraskaNonprofit #ERC

?? Welcome, Abigail Bennetts! ?? We’re so excited to have Abigail join our team as a legal intern! ?? She’s passionate about serving children and families, recognizing how difficult systems can be to navigate, especially without support. Abigail chose to intern at ERC because she believes every family deserves access to the resources and advocacy needed to help their students thrive. ???? Fun fact: She’s visited 12 countries! ???? Join us in giving Abigail a warm welcome! ??

?? Education Access Must Be Protected! In this time of uncertainty around federal oversight of education, one thing remains clear: every child has the right to a safe and equitable education. ?? No matter the political shifts, laws like IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and Title I continue to protect students and ERC is here to ensure those rights remain intact. Restructuring or defunding the U.S. Department of Education won’t erase legal protections, but it could create confusion, disrupt funding, and harm students. Now is not the time to step back—it’s time to stand up. We are committed to ensuring ALL children receive the education they deserve. If you have questions or concerns, contact ERC at 402-263-6200. #EducationForAll #ProtectStudentRights #EqualEducation #EveryChildMatters #StandUpForStudents #EducationRightsCounsel #OmahaNonprofit #NebraskaNonprofit #ERC

?? URGENT: Protect Section 504 in Nebraska! In a very concerning development, 17 Attorneys General, including Nebraska’s, have asked a Texas Court to find that Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is “unconstitutional.” Section 504 has, for over 50 years, prohibited discrimination on the basis of disability. For schools, 504 Plans are a critical support for children who need accommodations to access their education at all levels of schooling. Elimination of Section 504 would be a stunning set-back for any child with a disability. Tell Nebraska's Attorney General that Nebraskans need Section 504 to keep children safe in school. ?? To read an overview, click here: https://lnkd.in/giJyn8dZ ?? To read more about the lawsuit, click here: https://lnkd.in/dWzhCp3W #Protect504 #DisabilityRights #InclusiveEducation #Nebraska #EducationRightsCounsel #OmahaNonprofit #NebraskaNonprofit #ERC

?? Welcome our new legal intern, Austin Haussler! ?? Austin joins ERC with a deep passion for education and a background in early childhood development. She adores children and is committed to helping them overcome educational barriers to succeed! ???? Her enthusiasm for ERC’s impactful work is contagious, and we’re thrilled to have her on board! Fun Fact: She was named after the song Austin by Blake Shelton. ??

Join the Court Improvement Project along with other child welfare and youth justice experts in Nebraska for an overview webinar regarding the child welfare and youth justice bills that may be introduced this legislative session. ??? ERC's General Counsel, Elizabeth Eynon-Kokrda, will be presenting alongside other leaders to break down key bills that could impact children and families. ?? Feb 11 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and engaged! ?? Register here:?https://lnkd.in/gGJZHahH #ChildWelfare #YouthJustice #AdvocacyMatters