Law Office of Jennifer S. Chang

05/27/2026

When a school district fails to provide the services a child needs, families deserve more than answers; they deserve action.

I advocate tirelessly to ensure students with special needs receive the support, accommodations, and education they are legally entitled to. From navigating IEPs to holding school systems accountable, I stand beside families every step of the way.

Every child deserves access to a meaningful education, and every parent deserves someone who will fight for it.

05/22/2026

I’m honored to be selected to the 2026 Super Lawyers list.

Advocating for students with disabilities and helping families navigate their educational rights has been one of the most meaningful parts of my career. I’m grateful for the trust families place in me and proud to continue working toward greater educational equity for students across California.

Thank you to my clients, colleagues, mentors, and community for your continued support.

California education rights attorney Jennifer Chang has been selected to the 2026 Super Lawyers® list, an honor reserved for attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement throughout their careers. Jennifer

04/15/2026

Autism acceptance means moving beyond awareness and focusing on meaningful inclusion and support for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

For students with autism, education is not one-size-fits-all. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, they are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), along with individualized education plans and behavioral supports tailored to their unique needs.

When behavioral concerns arise, schools are required to first consider appropriate behavioral supports and interventions, including whether a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is being properly implemented or needs to be revised. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, discipline cannot be addressed in isolation from a student’s disability.

If a student’s behavior is related to their disability, schools must conduct a manifestation determination review to determine whether the conduct was caused by, or had a direct and substantial relationship to, the disability. When that connection exists, the focus must shift to updated supports and services rather than punitive disciplinary measures that remove access to education.

Discipline should never result in a loss of educational access or a denial of FAPE. Instead, schools are required to respond with appropriate interventions that address the underlying needs driving behavior while keeping the student meaningfully engaged in their education.

When families understand these protections, they are better equipped to advocate for services, accountability, and the educational opportunities every child deserves.

04/02/2026

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day, a time to recognize and better understand the experiences of individuals with autism.

About 1 in 36 children in the U.S. Is identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder, highlighting the importance of awareness, education, and advocacy.

Students with autism are protected under federal laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which guarantee the right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Schools must provide individualized supports, services, and accommodations even when facing disciplinary challenges.

Understanding these rights helps ensure that students are supported, not excluded, and that their educational progress remains the priority.

03/25/2026

Students with disabilities have important legal protections when facing suspension or expulsion. Schools cannot remove access to education simply because disciplinary action is involved.

Under IDEA and Section 504, students remain entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), continued services, and individualized supports designed to address behavior in ways that promote learning rather than punishment.

This includes safeguards such as behavior intervention planning, protection from discriminatory discipline, and continued access to instruction even during extended removals.

Understanding these rights helps families advocate effectively and ensures that disciplinary decisions do not interfere with a student’s educational progress.

Learn more about protecting your child’s rights under special education law https://ow.ly/3v6u50Ywygr.

03/18/2026

When families feel overwhelmed by the special education process, knowledgeable guidance can help bring clarity and confidence.

Through my work as a special education attorney, I support parents through every stage of the IEP process, advocating for appropriate services, accommodations, and protections so students can access meaningful educational opportunities.

03/17/2026

Students with disabilities may receive a variety of services through their IEP, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, academic supports, and behavior plans. This article explains what each service entails and how families and advocates can ensure students receive the supports they need to make meaningful progress.

Read the full article: https://ow.ly/e3Vt50YtF97.

When students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) receive appropriate specialized services, their chances of academic success increase significantly. These services are determined through the IEP process, which evaluates each student’s unique learning profile, strengths, and

03/14/2026

This year’s 28th Annual COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc.) Conference in Arlington, Virginia, brought together advocates, attorneys, parents, and professionals committed to special education advocacy and ensuring students with disabilities have access to meaningful educational opportunities. It was a valuable chance to connect with peers, meet keynote speakers, and gather insights and resources to support ongoing advocacy work.

03/13/2026

One of the most misunderstood parts of special education law is what counts as a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). In the article I wrote for the February 2026 issue of OC Lawyer Magazine (Orange County Bar Association), I explain what schools are required to provide and what they are not, helping families and advocates set realistic expectations.

Read the full article here: https://educationrightsattorney.com/jennifer-chang-authors-article-providing-clarity-on-fape/.

California education rights attorney Jennifer Chang authored an article in the February 2026 issue of OC Lawyer Magazine that brings much-needed clarity to one of the most misunderstood concepts in special education law: the requirements

02/17/2026

I’m honored to be included once again in the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Leaders of Influence: Thriving in Their 40s.

This recognition highlights work that is deeply personal to me, advocating for children with disabilities and helping families understand and enforce their education rights within California’s public school system. Every student deserves access, support, and equal opportunity to succeed.

Thank you to the families, colleagues, and peers who trust me and support this work. I’m grateful to be part of a community committed to meaningful change.

https://educationrightsattorney.com/jennifer-chang-recognized-by-los-angeles-business-journals-2025-leaders-of-influence-thriving-in-their-40s/