Get friendly, supportive help for your child
Are you a Minnesota parent seeking support to navigate school or other systems for your child, birth through age 26, with a disability?
- Learn your rights and understand your options
- Free to Minnesota families
- Español | Soomaliga
We provide one-on-one assistance to Minnesota families about special education and other disability-related issues.
To connect with a PACER advocate, please complete our short contact form below (preferred method) or call us at (952) 838-9000.
Ways a PACER advocate can help
PACER advocates can:
- Clarify your concerns or issues
- Provide guidance on your child’s rights
- Explain available options to help you make an informed decision
- Discuss communicating your concerns or questions to others
- Help you decide whom to contact to resolve issues
- Respect confidentiality — advocates will not talk to others outside of PACER without your permission
- Provide related resources
PACER advocates cannot:
- Function as attorneys
- Represent you or your child in court, the special education hearing process, or other formal proceedings
- Attend most IEP meetings
- Act as case managers for your child
FAQs
What to know about contacting an advocate
How do I prepare to talk with an advocate?
Gather documents such as evaluation reports, Individualized Education Program (IEP), or 504 plan. Prepare a written list of questions or concerns.
When should I talk with an advocate?
Contact PACER at any point (new diagnosis, issue with school, questions about rights) from birth to age 26.
Can I get support if I live outside of Minnesota?
PACER Center is a part of the Parent Center network, with locations in every state. Their goal is to help parents participate effectively in their children’s education and development. Find your Parent Center.
Are my questions confidential?
Yes. PACER advocates support you to partner with professionals but do not contact others outside of PACER on your behalf or about your child.
Can I get legal advice?
PACER helps parents understand the special education process and other rights but is not able to provide legal advice.
What if I have a question that isn’t about special education?
PACER helps with issues related to health, mental health, transition to adulthood, assistive technology, and more.
Does PACER offer workshops?
Yes! Topics include special education, housing, assistive technology, mental health, and more. See our schedule.
Can I get support in any language?
PACER has access to interpreters in many languages, and we will do our best to assist you. Send a request to [email protected]. For support in Spanish or Somali, visit: Español | Soomaliga.
What if I have more questions?
Visit Advice & Guidance for additional information.
PACER Center is a centralized source of information and support for Minnesota families. We are a federally designated parent training and information center (PTI), family-to-family health information center (F2F), statewide family network, and RSA-funded parent training and information center for transition-aged youth.