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SpecialEdLaw.net Privacy Statement

Information Collection and Use
The Center for Education Rights operates SpecialEdLaw.net, and is the sole owner of the information collected on this site. We will not sell, share, or rent this information to others in ways different from what is disclosed in this statement. SpecialEdLaw.net collects information from our users at several different points on our website.

Registration
In order to use some portions of this website, a user must first complete the registration form. During registration a user is required to give their contact information (such as name and email address). This information is used to contact the user about the services on our site for which they have expressed interest. It is optional for the user to provide demographic information (such as income level and gender), and unique identifiers (such as social security number), but encouraged so we can provide a more personalized experience on our site.

Orders
We request information from the user on our order form. Here a user must provide contact information (like name and shipping address) and financial information (like credit card number, expiration date). This information is used for billing purposes and to fill customer's orders. If we have trouble processing an order, this contact information is used to get in touch with the user.

Cookies
A cookie is a piece of data stored on the user's hard drive containing information about the user. Usage of a cookie is in no way linked to any personally identifiable information while on our site. Once the user closes their browser, the cookie simply terminates. For instance, by setting a cookie on our site, the user would not have to log in a password more than once, thereby saving time while on our site. If a user rejects the cookie, they may still use our site. The only drawback to this is that the user will be limited in some areas of our site. Cookies can also enable us to track and target the interests of our users to enhance the experience on our site. Some of our business partners use cookies on our site (for example, advertisers). However, we have no access to or control over these cookies.

Log Files
We use IP addresses to analyze trends, administer the site, track user's movement, and gather broad demographic information for aggregate use. IP addresses are not linked to personally identifiable information.

LivePerson Chat
When the online customer service chat first begins, LivePerson Users at SpecialEdLaw.net are asked to enter their names in whatever format or detail they prefer. During the chat, LivePerson Users enter into a live question and answer session with an operator. We maintain dialogue transcripts of these chats. After the chat, we ask LivePerson Users to fill out an exit survey in order to obtain valuable feedback about our service. Filling out the exit survey is completely voluntary. The surveys may ask for contact information (e.g., email address) and for demographic information (e.g., zip code, age or income level). LivePerson Users in need of technical support are required to complete a form for purposes of defining and clarifying their technical support requests. We log browser information (e.g., Internet Protocol addresses and browser types) to help diagnose problems with our server, gather broad demographic information and administer our site. We also collect data through aggregated tracking information derived mainly by tallying page views throughout our site. We do not knowingly collect any information from anyone under 18 years of age. The exit surveys ask LivePerson Users to enter their age so that we may refuse to accept any information that has been submitted by anyone under 18. SpecialEdLaw.net LivePerson chats are noy currently encrypted, and may be intercepted by third parties without the knowledge of SpecialEdLaw.net. The information presented by LivePerson chat operators at SpecialEdLaw.net should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Persons accessing the SpecialEdLaw.net LivePerson chat service are encouraged to seek independent counsel for advice regarding their individual legal issues.

Chat Rooms, Forums, and Message Boards
Users of SpecialEdLaw.net who disclose personally identifiable information online through Chat Rooms, Forums, and Message Boards on SpecialEdLaw.net make the information submitted public information. Such disclosure may increase the chance of receiving "spam" or unsolicited email. Users of SpecialEdLaw.net should be extra careful and to use their discretion when disclosing information online.

Sharing
We will share aggregated demographic information with our partners and advertisers. This is not linked to any personal information that can identify any individual person. We use an outside shipping company to ship orders, and a credit card processing company to bill users for goods and services. These companies do not retain, share, store or use personally identifiable information for any secondary purposes. We partner with another party to provide specific services. When the user signs up for these services, we will share names, or other contact information that is necessary for the third party to provide these services. These parties are not allowed to use personally identifiable information except for the purpose of providing these services.

Links
This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that SpecialEdLaw.net is not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects personally identifiable information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this Web site.

Newsletter
If a user wishes to subscribe to the SpecialEdLaw.net newsletter, we ask for contact information such as name and email address, and demographic information (such as zip code, age level).

Surveys & Contests
From time-to-time our site requests information from users via surveys or contests. Participation in these surveys or contests is completely voluntary and the user therefore has a choice whether or not to disclose this information. Information requested may include contact information (such as name and shipping address), and demographic information (such as zip code, age level). Contact information will be used to notify the winners and award prizes. Survey information will be used for purposes of monitoring or improving the use and satisfaction of this site.

Children's Requirements
SpecialEdLaw.net does not collect personally identifiable information of children is not designed for use by children under the age of thirteen (13) years old. Inquiries of a legal nature from a child will only be responded to within the scope of the initial request from the child. Any information so obtained by SpecialEdlaw.net and/or the Center for Education Rights will be held in the strictest confidence, consistent with the Model Rules of Professional Responsibility.

No Formation of an Attorney/Client Relationship
The exchange of information between a user and SpecialEdLaw.net and/or the Center for Education Rights should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

Security
SpecialEdLaw.net takes every precaution to protect our users' information. When users submit sensitive information via the website, your information is protected both online and off-line. When our registration/order form asks users to enter sensitive information (such as credit card number and/or social security number), that information is encrypted and is protected with the best encryption software in the industry - SSL. While on a secure page, such as our order form, the lock icon on the bottom of Web browsers such as Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer becomes locked, as opposed to un-locked, or open, when you are just 'surfing'. While we use SSL encryption to protect sensitive information online, we also do everything in our power to protect user-information off-line. All of our users' information, not just the sensitive information mentioned above, is restricted in our offices. Only employees who need the information to perform a specific job (for example, our billing clerk or a customer service representative) are granted access to personally identifiable information. Our employees must use password-protected screen-savers when they leave their desk. When they return, they must re-enter their password to re-gain access to your information. Furthermore, ALL employees are kept up-to-date on our security and privacy practices. Every quarter, as well as any time new policies are added, our employees are notified and/or reminded about the importance we place on privacy, and what they can do to ensure our customers' information is protected. Finally, the servers that we store personally identifiable information on are kept in a secure environment, behind a locked cage. If you have any questions about the security at our website, you can send an email to

Correction/Updating Personal Information:
If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your zip code), or if a user no longer desires our service, we will endeavor to provide a way to correct, update or remove that user's personal data provided to us. This can usually be done at the member information page or by emailing our Customer Support at info@specialedlaw.net.

Choice/Opt-out
Our users are given the opportunity to 'opt-out' of having their information used for purposes not directly related to our site at the point where we ask for the information. For example, our order form has an 'opt-out' mechanism so users who buy a product from us, but don't want any marketing material, can keep their email address off of our lists. Users who no longer wish to receive our newsletter or promotional materials from our partners may opt-out of receiving these communications by following the unsubscribe information on the bottom of the newsletter that you received via e-mail from SpecialEdLaw.net. Users of our site are always notified when their information is being collected by any outside parties. We do this so our users can make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with services that require an outside party, or not.

Notification of Changes
If we decide to change our privacy policy, we will post those changes on the SpecialEdLaw.net Homepage so our users are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under circumstances, if any, we disclose it. If at any point we decide to use personally identifiable information in a manner different from that stated at the time it was collected, we will notify users by way of an email. Users will have a choice as to whether or not we use their information in this different manner. We will use information in accordance with the privacy policy under which the information was collected.

TRUSTe
The Center for Education Rights d/b/a SpecialEdLaw.net has applied for a license from the TRUSTe Privacy Program. At this time, SpecialEdLaw.net is not a licensee of TRUSTe.
TRUSTe is an independent, non-profit organization whose mission is to build users' trust and confidence in the Internet by promoting the use of fair information practices. Because this web site wants to demonstrate its commitment to your privacy, it has agreed to disclose its information practices and have its privacy practices reviewed for compliance by TRUSTe. SpecialEdLaw.net will notify you of:
1. What personally identifiable information of yours or third party personally identification is collected from you through the web site;
2. The organization collecting the information;
3. How the information is used;
4. With whom the information may be shared;
5. What choices are available to you regarding collection, use and distribution of the information;
6. The kind of security procedures that are in place to protect the loss, misuse or alteration of information under control of SpecialEdLaw.net; and,
7. How you can correct any inaccuracies in the information.

If you feel that SpecialEdLaw.net is not abiding by its posted privacy policy, you should first contact the General Counsel of the Center for Education Rights by e-mail at

What is SpecialEdLaw.net Live Help?
SpecialEdLaw.net Live Help is a chat application. You may receive on-line help via a private on-line chat with a member of the SpecialEdLaw.net staff at the Center for Education Rights. Use of SpecialEdLaw.net Live Help should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Persons accessing this service are encouraged to seek independent counsel for advice regarding their individual legal issues.

How do I use Live Help?
Click on the Live Help button to launch a new window where a member of the SpecialEdlaw.net staff initiates a secure one-on-one text chat with you.

When is Live Help available?
SpecialEdLaw.net Live Help is generally available on weekdays from 9-6 EST, and whenever you see the "Click Here for Live Help" icon displayed above.

IDEA Resources
Statute
Regulations - Part 300
Disciplinary Provisions
OSERS
OSEP
OSEP IEP GUIDE
OSEP letter re private school placements
Special Education Advocacy for Children in the Juvenile Delinquency System
National Council on Disability Report: Back to School on Civil Rights
GAO Report on School Discipline

Section 504 Resources
Statute
Regulations
504 Education Regulations (html)
Auxiliary Aids & Services - Postsecondary Students

FERPA Resources
Statute
Regulations
FERPA Information Family Policy Compliance Office
Family Policy Compliance Office FERPA On-Line Library
FERPA Legislative History
FERPA Guide to Sharing Information with Juvenile Justice Programs

ADA Resources
Statute
ADA Title II Regulations (html)
DOJ ADA Overview

HHS Resources
HHS Office for Civil Rights
National Action Agenda for Children's Mental Health

OCR Resources
OCR Home Page
OCR Complaint Process
OCR Case Resolution Manual
OCR Electronic Complaint Form
OCR - Know Your Rights
School Placement of Children with AIDS
Applying Civil Rights to Charter Schools
OCR 2000 Elem. & Sec. Civil Rights Compliance Report
Student Placement - ADA/504/IDEA
OCR Sexual Harassment Guidance

Title IX Resources
Title IX - Regulations 34 CFR Part 106
OCR Title IX Policy Interpretation
Title IX - 25 Years of Progress Report
Title IX & Sex Discrimination

DOJ Resources
DOJ Disability Rights Section

EEOC Resources
EEOC
EEOC Regulations
EEOC Compliance Manual
EEOC Enforcement Guidelines

STATE Materials