Current Collaborations
By working collaboratively, we are able to access the voice of those affected by complex problems, identify the best strategies and solutions, create change, and maximize our impact. Among the collaborations we are involved in are the following coalitions and networks. MAC plays a leadership role in some of these groups:
Children’s Law Support Project (CLSP)
The CLSP has an advisory committee consisting of representatives from MAC and CLCM, along with four of the other statewide advocacy and backup programs and five of the local programs.
The Education Law Task Force (ELTF)
The ELTF is a statewide group of legal services and public interest attorneys and advocates that meets bi-monthly to address many of the education issues that face low-income children.
Coalition to Defend Special Education
The Coalition to Defend Special Education grew out of the statewide mobilization led by MAC in the late 1990s-early 2000s to combat the legislative effort to erode parental and student special education rights under Chapter 766.
Latinos and Special Education Coalition
This subgroup of ELTF is a statewide group of special education attorneys and advocates that work primarily with Latinx families. The coalition meets bi-monthly to discuss and address barriers impacting many Latino children that have disabilities.
Chapter 222 Coalition
This coalition of over 90 members, a subcommittee of the Children’s Law Support Project, focuses on school discipline and the effects of zero tolerance policies and practices, particularly the continued disproportional rates of suspension for students based on race and ethnicity, special education status, and socioeconomic status.
Legal Services Learning Community for Special Education Practitioners
The Learning Community of the Education Law Task Force (ELTF) is for attorneys in the civil legal aid network who practice in the area of special education law. This group provides a place to discuss cases, share ideas and resources, and offer substantive training.
Coalition for Special Education Funding
This network of special education stakeholders works together to advocate for annual funding for special education, especially the special education circuit breaker.
Disability Task Force
The Disability Task Force (DTF) is made up of providers, disability organizations, advocates, family members, self-advocates, foundations, and representatives of state agencies. The DTF meets 3-4 times per year in order to address issues impacting children and adults with disabilities and also explore strategies to address barriers and increase opportunities.
Civil Legal Aid Network
The Civil Legal Aid Network is made up of legal service organizations that include regional legal service providers and thematic statewide backup centers all working with the support of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC)