Callahan Foundation Awards Grant to The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s “Access to Education” Program

Founded in 1905, Legal Aid uses the power of the law to ensure access to basic needs and lift people out of poverty. Its mission is to secure justice and resolve fundamental problems for those who are low-income and vulnerable by providing high-quality legal services and working for systemic solutions.

As part of its “Access to Education” program, Legal Aid removes barriers to education for children who are not receiving a free appropriate public education. This is accomplished through direct representation, community education and advocacy. These efforts provide the pathway for families to give children the groundwork for a healthy, safe and sustainable learning environment, and an overall better life.

The Callahan Foundation has awarded a $20,000 grant to support three full-time attorneys committed to education law work through the Legal Aid in Northeast Ohio. Efforts will include helping clients obtain special education services, correcting existing individualized education plans, ensuring students receive appropriate special education services, representing parents at disciplinary proceedings, and obtaining access to education when students were inappropriately denied.

As a result, Legal Aid will help 800 people in Northeast Ohio through approximately 200 legal cases handled focused on education law.

For more information on the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, visit http://lasclev.org.