The Right to Learn helps families understand special education, prepare for school meetings, and advocate for students to receive the educational services they need. We support students ages 3–21 attending public or charter schools.

We can help with:

• Reviewing evaluations, IEPs, 504 plans, and school documents
• Preparing for and attending ARD/IEP/504 meetings
• Child Find requests
• Letters, mediation prep, and state complaints
• Explaining your rights and school responsibilities
• Our work is student-centered.
• All recommendations are based on what is appropriate for the child under the law.

Important Notes

• We cannot guarantee specific outcomes. Some things parents hope for are not required by law. Our advocate will always explain what the law allows and help you pursue the best and most appropriate options for your child.
• We do not manage due process cases. Due process requires legal representation and significant time. If needed, we can refer you to a special education attorney.
• In addition to the meeting time for in-person meetings, a mileage charge of $0.73 per mile to and from the meeting location will be included.

Membership & Fees

• To receive services, your family must have an active Arc of Harris County membership.
• Our fees are based on your family's monthly income and household size.
• Families may qualify for a $15/hour rate if they meet federal poverty guidelines or receive benefits (SSI, SNAP, housing benefits). Proof of income will be required to establish the hourly fee.

 

Hourly Fee: $15
Family Composition		Max Monthly Income
2		$901.67
3		$1,138.33
4		$1,375.00
5		$1,611.67
6		$1,848.33

 

· Those who do not qualify for the $15 hourly rate will have their rate based on a sliding scale that can be from $20 to $130/hour. Click here to access the Sliding Scale Hourly Fee 2026.

· Invoices are due within 30 days. Payment plans are available upon proof of financial hardship.

Steps to Start Services

Please complete the following:

1. Become a member of The Arc of Harris County. 
2. Complete the RTL Intake process: With your membership payment confirmation, you will receive the corresponding documentation to open your child's case record with us.
3. The intake package will include the necessary paperwork, including the Service Agreement and Consent Form, which must be signed before any service can begin.
4. Once these steps are complete, an advocate will email you with the next steps for your child's case and begin reviewing your documents.

Click here to complete the membership payment.

ARD/IEP Meeting Coming Up?

If you have a meeting coming up, you need to complete the intake process before the advocate can confirm a date.