COPAA invites you to attend our 11^th Annual Conference, hosted in our Nation’s capital, on March 5-8, 2009.

Print/View Full 2009 COPAA Conference Brochure (pdf, 17 pages)

The changing political landscape, the impending reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), and the potential impact that these could have on education for children with disabilities make this a conference you cannot afford to miss.

Join fellow advocates, make your voice heard, share strategies, and empower yourself with cutting edge knowledge to achieve excellence in special education advocacy.

During your free time discover inspiring museums, powerful monuments, and majestic memorials in Washington, D.C. A diverse, cosmopolitan world capital, DC invites visitors to explore its charming neighborhoods, sample its hip shops and restaurants, and experience its vibrant nightlife. Fascinating, free attractions and festive events make DC a favorite destination for travelers from around the world.

Conference Location

Capital Hilton
1001 16th Street NW, Washington,
District of Columbia, United States 20036
Tel: 1-202-393-1000  
Toll Free Reservation: 1-800-HILTONS

To make online reservations in the COPAA Room Block click here

The Capital Hilton is located in the center of downtown Washington, D.C.—just two blocks from The White House and walking distance to Monuments, Restaurants, the National Mall, and many other major points of interest.

COPAA Group Rate is $180.00 single or double occupancy. This rate is exclusive of appropriate state and local taxes, fees and assessments, currently 14.5%.

We advise that you make reservations early. The block of rooms being held for the COPAA Conference is on a first-come, first-served basis. Available rooms are held for COPAA attendees until February 3, 2009. After that date the any unreserved rooms in our block will be released for general sale. COPAA attendees may still request rooms based on availability; however, such rooms will be available at the Capital Hilton’s prevailing rate.

Agenda

Who Should Attend

The COPAA conference is of most interest to parents of special education students as well as attorneys and advocates who represent such students.

Registration is NOT open to anyone who is employed by or receives more than 50% of his/her income from state, local, or intermediate education agencies, or, in the case of an attorney, who represents or has represented such an agency or school district within the past five years.

Registration is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. Participation for pre-conference sessions is limited to the specified number of registrants per pre-conference session, and is also on a first come, first served basis.

Registration Links:

• Online Registration - Non-Member
• Online Registration - Presenter
• Online Registration - Member (must login before clicking this link)
• Download Registration Form to Mail with Check (pdf)

Washington, D.C. Information

Visitor information can be found on the web.

The Washington, D.C. Access Guide is the premier source of accessibility-related information in the Washington, D.C. area. The website and print guide include detailed accessibility information for attractions, restaurants, and bars throughout the region. Call (301) 528-8664 for more information or to order a copy of the guide.

Scholarships

A limited number of waivers are available for applicants who meet the criteria listed under the COPAA Registration Waiver. Please see Registration Form for application and qualification guidelines. Scholarship Assistance is also available to a limited number of individuals. Details for applying are on our website.

Continuing Education Credit

COPAA is an approved Continuing Legal Education (CLE) provider in Illinois and Alaska. We have submitted an application and are awaiting approval in Ohio as well. Participants who attend pre-conference sessions are generally eligible for 5 credits per day; General Conference participants are eligible for 11.5 credit hours. COPAA provides a certificate of attendance. Participants are required to submit their requests for CLE credit individually to their applicable state bar or other licensing organization. Please visit the information desk onsite to obtain the appropriate forms.

Questions

Email: conference@copaa.org
Phone: 410-372-0208

Thank you to our 2009 Conference Sponsors

Premiere Sponsors

Founded in 1949, Baker & McKenzie provides sophisticated advice and legal services to dynamic and successful organizations through more than 3,900 locally qualified attorneys and 7,000 professional staff in 68 offices in 38 countries.  Baker & McKenzie lawyers and staff are committed to providing service to the communities in which we live and practice.   The fluent deployment of our worldwide talent, along with our shared passion to help local communities, allows us to impact some of the most significant and complex issues in the world today.  This is our responsibility as global citizens, and we are privileged to use the experience, knowledge and resources of our Firm to promote the values we share and improve access to justice by all.

Silver Sponsors

College Internship Program

Ability Magazine

DISCLAIMER: COPAA does not endorse, recommend, or make representations with respect to any services, programs, medications, products, exhibitors, or treatments that may be referenced on the Web site. Reference to any program, service, treatment or therapy option is not an official endorsement by COPAA. The inclusion of any resource, link, or conference exhibitor on COPAA's web site does not imply endorsement or a recommendation.