About this Workshop
This session will explore educational advocacy, legal protections, and supports available for students with TS and ADHD. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of educational rights and ways to navigate school systems effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Understand legal educational protections and how to advocate for proper support and accommodations.
- Learn legal rights around school accommodations and school services related to 504s and IEPs.
- Gain an understanding of Other Health Impairments (OHIs) as it relates to TS and ADHD.
About the Education & Mental Health in Focus Series
Education & Mental Health in Focus is a multi-part learning showcase designed to support families, caregivers, students, and community members navigating the educational and emotional experiences connected to Tourette Syndrome and other Tic Disorders. This series brings together clinicians, advocates, educators, college students, and professionals to explore topics related to school accommodations, mental health support, transition planning, postsecondary education, and family wellbeing.
Through practical discussions and lived experiences, participants will gain tools, resources, and strategies to better support children, teens, and young adults across different stages of their educational journey. Sessions will focus on advocacy, emotional wellbeing, navigating systems of support, and building confidence for both caregivers and students.
Matt Cohen
Matt Cohen is founder of the law firm, Matt Cohen and Associates, and is well known for his work in special education law. He is the primary or collaborating author of several amendments to the mental health and special education laws of Illinois and has worked on the IDEA legislation at the federal level. Matt has lectured all over the country on many special education topics and does frequent webinars and in person training on current developments in special education and mental health law.
Matt Cohen served as President of the Board of Directors of the national Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders (CHADD) organization and currently serves on the Public Policy Committee. He was the chair of the nationally unique Illinois Attorney General’s Special Education Advisory Committee for over 30 year and was a founding board member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), the national special education advocacy organization, and continues to serve on the Board. For the last several years, Matt has been part of a COPAA team providing training on State and Local Policy Advocacy. Matt has served on several other disability related boards. He is currently part of a team developing revised behavior intervention materials for the Illinois State Board of Education.
In 2009, Matt authored the book A Guide to Special Education Advocacy: What Parents, Clinicians and Advocates Need to Know, published by Jessica Kingsley Press. Matt has had many articles published in various books, journals and magazines. He has received many awards and honors and has been recognized for his legal skills as an Illinois Super Lawyer from 2005 to the 2025 and has for many years been recognized as a Leading Lawyer of Illinois, including in 2025.
From 2017 to the present, Matt has served as one the Legal Representatives of the Chicago Public Schools Special Education Advocacy Group, which brought a successful class complaint to the Illinois State Board of Education, leading to ISBE finding systemic violations and ordering appointment of an ISBE monitor for CPS special education programs and to requiring a plan for Student Specific Corrective Action for students adversely impacted by CPS’ illegal policies.
While engaged in private law practice continuously since 1981, Matt served as the Executive Director and Corporate Counsel of a large psychiatric services corporation from 1985 to 1990. Matt received his law degree from the University of Minnesota (1981) and his bachelor’s degree from Grinnell College (1977).
Matt can be reached at matt@mattcohenandassociates.com
To learn more about CHADD, please visit their website at: CHADD – Improving the lives of people affected by ADHD
