Education Rights Counsel

ERC recently partnered with Radical Minds ABA Clinic to explore why advocacy matters in education. By helping providers understand the legal landscape, we strengthen their ability to support families and advance educational justice—one informed advocate at a time.

NOMINATE AN EDUCATOR

We're looking for bold, compassionate Nebraska educators who build belonging through innovation in the classroom and beyond.

Submit your nominations for the 2026 Debora Basler Wisneski Inclusive Innovation in Education Award.
Deadline: June 15th

The winner will be honored at ERC's Raise the Bar event on August 26, 2026.

https://forms.gle/2cyCrMPSadX14QJ19

Carrie Brooks contacted over ten attorneys in Nebraska looking for someone to help advocate for her son's educational rights. Every single one said no. Most of them represented schools.

Then one attorney suggested she call ERC. On that very first call, CEO Lauren Micek Vargas told Carrie they would help. "I just remember crying," Carrie says, "thinking, 'Thank goodness, someone finally hears me.'"

ERC helped Carrie's family build her son's IEP and Medical Plan. And when the plan was completed and implemented, Carrie asked the question that tells you everything about who she is: "How can I help other families who are struggling like we did?"

That's how she joined ERC's Parent Advisory Board. As Carrie puts it, "ERC changed our lives forever. My time and involvement is a small gift of appreciation."

No family should feel alone. That's why ERC exists, and that's why parent voices like Carrie's matter.

Visit EducationRightsCounsel.org to learn how we protect the right to learn for every child.