Special Education & Civil Rights Resources
Learn more about compliance with special education & civil rights laws by discovering The Bruman Group’s relevant trainings and publications, helpful summaries of laws, and links to government documentation.
Overview of Relevant Laws
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The IDEA, first enacted in 1975, is the cornerstone of special education law in the U.S., ensuring that children with disabilities have access to a Free Appropriate Public Education tailored to their unique needs. It applies to children from birth through age 21 and authorizes formula grants to States, as well as some competitive grant funding, to support educational entities with the cost of educating students with disabilities.
The Firm has worked with clients over the past 45 years on meeting individualized education program requirements, fulfilling obligations to educate students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment, conducting appropriate evaluations, and implementing required procedural safeguards. In addition to programmatic requirements under IDEA, the Bruman Group regularly consults with clients on fiscal requirements such as maintenance of state financial support, local maintenance of effort, and subgrant allocations.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 is a foundational federal law that protects students with disabilities from discrimination in schools and colleges that receive federal funding. For educational institutions, this means ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to academic programs, extracurricular activities, and school services.
Our firm partners with schools, districts, and higher education institutions to help them meet their legal obligations under Section 504—while fostering inclusive learning environments that support all students. We offer comprehensive legal support to help institutions draft, revise, and implement legally sound Section 504 policies and procedures; conduct thorough reviews of your institution’s practices to identify gaps and ensure alignment with federal regulations; offer customized training for administrators, teachers, and support staff on Section 504 obligations, student rights, and best practices; assist schools in developing effective 504 Plans that meet legal standards and support student success; represent institutions in resolving disputes with families regarding accommodations, eligibility, or disciplinary actions; guide institutions through Office for Civil Rights (OCR) investigations, including drafting responses and negotiating resolutions; and represent schools in administrative hearings and litigation involving alleged violations of Section 504.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Civil Rights Compliance)
Title IX is a federal civil rights law enacted in 1972 that prohibits discrimination based on sex in any federally funded educational program or activity. Title IX applies to all educational entities that receive federal funding, including a the K-12 and higher education levels.
Our firm partners with schools, colleges, and universities to build robust Title IX programs and respond effectively to legal challenges and can assist educational institutions navigate the changing landscape of Title IX compliance through a variety of services. We assist clients in reviewing and drafting Title IX policies and procedures, responding to federal civil rights investigations and findings, training Title IX coordinators and other staff, and providing guidance on adapting to evolving Title IX regulations and case law.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
Title VI, enacted in 1964, is a cornerstone of federal civil rights law. It prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance, including educational programs.
Our firm is committed to helping organizations and institutions understand their rights and responsibilities under Title VI. We review policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Title VI regulations, offer workshops and training on Title VI obligations and complaint handling, represent institutions facing federal Title VI investigations or findings, and assist with methods of administration compliance.
The Family Education Rights to Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA, enacted in 1974, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It applies to all educational institutions receiving federal funding, including public and most private schools, colleges, and universities.
Our firm provides comprehensive legal counsel to educational institutions, and nonprofit partners navigating FERPA’s complex requirements. The Bruman Group has the expertise to draft and audit FERPA-compliant privacy policies, consent forms, and data-sharing agreements; conduct workshops for administrators, faculty, and staff on FERPA rights, exceptions, and best practices; review third-party agreements to ensure “direct control” and proper data handling; support internal audits and readiness for U.S. Department of Education investigations, provide legal guidance for data breaches, unauthorized disclosures, and emergency disclosures; and represent institutions in FERPA-related complaints filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO), among other services.
Special Education & Civil Rights Training
In-Person EventsEDGAR Academy – Sacramento, CA – November 19, 2026
$610.00🗓️ November 19, 2026
Build a strong foundation with this all-day in-person engaging session on EDGAR and the Uniform Guidance. Learn the essentials through practical examples and expert instruction from the Bruman Group. Walk away with clear, actionable insights and the confidence to manage federal education funds effectively from day one.
- In-Person Events
EDGAR Academy – Phoenix, AZ – October 14, 2026
$610.00🗓️ October 14, 2026
Build a strong foundation with this all-day in-person engaging session on EDGAR and the Uniform Guidance. Learn the essentials through practical examples and expert instruction from the Bruman Group. Walk away with clear, actionable insights and the confidence to manage federal education funds effectively from day one.
- Webinars
The Next Exit: Preparing for Changes to Uniform Guidance
Price range: $250.00 through $360.00October 8th, 2026
Changes to the Uniform Grants Guidance affect virtually every aspect of federal grant administration from procurement and subrecipient monitoring to internal controls and audit readiness. As OMB finalizes its proposed changes and federal agencies move toward implementing updates to 2 CFR Part 200, education administrators should begin evaluating the potential impact on policies, procedures, and compliance systems. This webinar will provide a practical roadmap for understanding the proposed/final changes and preparing for implementation before enforcement begins.
- Webinars
Road Signs and Fine Print: Understanding Federal Award Conditions and Oversight Trends
Price range: $250.00 through $360.00September 24th, 2026
Federal agencies are increasingly using grant conditions, certifications, and assurances to communicate expectations and shape recipient behavior. Understanding these requirements—and the consequences of overlooking them—is critical for education administrators responsible for managing federal awards. This webinar will discuss current appropriations and examine key cross-cutting federal issues affecting grant recipients and provide practical strategies for evaluating new obligations, documenting compliance, and responding to evolving federal oversight initiatives.
- Webinars
Rules of the Road: Navigating Civil Rights, Student Privacy, and Federal Enforcement
Price range: $250.00 through $360.00September 10th, 2026
Recent court decisions, regulatory shifts, and evolving federal enforcement priorities are reshaping the education civil rights landscape. Education leaders must understand how Title IX developments intersect with FERPA obligations, Title VI requirements, and changing Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforcement practices. This timely session will help administrators evaluate current compliance frameworks, understand emerging legal risks, and prepare for increased scrutiny surrounding student rights, discrimination complaints, privacy obligations, and institutional accountability.
- Webinars
Taking an Alternate Route: Federal Flexibility
$250.00August 27th, 2026
With growing uncertainty surrounding federal education funding requirements, administrators need a clear understanding of the flexibility tools available under federal law. This webinar will explore the latest developments related to ESEA waivers, transferability authority, and other administrative flexibilities that may impact budgeting, program implementation, and spending decisions during the upcoming school year. Participants will gain practical insight into how current flexibilities can support local priorities while maintaining compliance and preparing for potential legislative and administrative changes.
- In-Person Events
EDGAR Academy – Lincoln, NE – Introductory Session
$610.00🗓️ October 14, 2026
Build a strong foundation with this all-day in-person engaging session on EDGAR and the Uniform Guidance. Learn the essentials through practical examples and expert instruction from the Bruman Group. Walk away with clear, actionable insights and the confidence to manage federal education funds effectively from day one.
- In-Person Events
EDGAR Academy – Greensboro, NC – Introductory Pre-Session at NCFEPA
$595.00🗓️ October 20, 2026
Build a strong foundation with this all-day in-person engaging session on EDGAR and the Uniform Guidance. Learn the essentials through practical examples and expert instruction from the Bruman Group. Walk away with clear, actionable insights and the confidence to manage federal education funds effectively from day one.
- Webinars
FERPA in the Age of Digital Education
$250.00🗓️ Recording Only
This webinar will provide an overview of requirements imposed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), especially as it applies to digital education. Attendees will learn about proposals to amend or expand FERPA and related protections, recent guidance promoting the use of Artificial Intelligence and education technology, and what schools, districts, and States should look for in tech providers.
