PACER PAL
AI Assistant
PACER PAL
AI Assistant
FAQs
PACER PAL is an artificial intelligence (AI) chat agent on PACER’s website that can answer questions about special education and other services for children and young adults with disabilities. It is a closed-source AI tool, which means it only uses resources that PACER identified to generate its answers. These information sources include PACER-developed materials, federal and Minnesota state special education laws and regulations, and other policy documents. This enables PACER PAL to provide information that is more consistent and reliable compared to public AI resources.
Go to the PACER (PAL) – AI Agent
What is the best way to use PACER PAL?
There is no one “right” way to use PACER PAL. Simply type in your question and the agent will respond with some initial information or ask you a clarifying question. Some examples include:
- How do I request a special education evaluation?
- Can my child with a disability be suspended?
- Do you have any articles I can read about transition to adulthood?
PACER PAL will answer general questions about potential next steps but will not draft communications for you to school or other professionals about your child’s situation.
Does PACER PAL use languages other than English?
Yes! PACER PAL can understand and respond to questions in more than 95+ languages, including Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. The resources PACER PAL links to may be in English, however.
You can also use speech to text to ask your questions by clicking on the microphone icon in the chat window.
Do I have to create an account to use PACER PAL? Will it remember my previous conversations?
You do not need to create an account or provide any personal information to use PACER PAL. It will remember your conversation while you are using the same browser, but it will not maintain your individual history after you clear your cookies.
How do I know that PACER PAL’s responses are correct?
PACER PAL only uses trusted resources that PACER has approved. The tool has been tested by PACER staff and other parents to ensure that it provides high-quality responses.
That being said, AI is an evolving technology and may get things wrong. You can ask PACER PAL for the source of the information it is providing, and it will give you direct links. PACER PAL will also encourage you to contact a PACER advocate for questions that are more nuanced.
If you get a response that doesn’t seem right, you can let us know by choosing a “thumbs down” response and providing more details. You can also email [email protected] with any questions.
Why did PACER develop PACER PAL?
We know that families of children with disabilities have questions 24/7. PACER PAL makes PACER’s trusted information more accessible when they need it. Our parent advocacy staff will continue to be available to provide in-depth support to families. PACER PAL complements our human expertise but does not replace it.
Can PACER PAL provide legal advice or a disability diagnosis?
No, PACER PAL cannot provide legal or medical advice. It is for informational purposes only. Additionally, PACER PAL cannot draft communications from you to school or other professionals.
PACER PAL is not meant to be used in an emergency. If you have an urgent medical concern, please contact 911. If you or your child is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.