Disability Access Rights grew from my own experience navigating the special education system and learning, often the hard way, how difficult it can be for families to obtain clear information, understand their rights, and know what questions to ask.

No family should have to look back and wonder how things might have been different if they had known then what they know now.

That experience is what drives my desire to help other families. My goal is to share what I have learned so that parents can become informed earlier, ask meaningful questions, document requests, participate confidently in decisions, and advocate effectively for their children.

Cynthia Dimapan is the founder of Disability Access Rights, a parent advocate, and a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities.

Her advocacy grew from her personal experience advocating for her son—asking for meaningful goals, appropriate services, and support for needs that were often readily apparent, yet learning that even reasonable requests could require persistence. At times, she encountered significant resistance and repeated “no’s”; at other times, persistence, preparation, and collaboration led to meaningful outcomes. Both experiences taught her the importance of continuing to ask questions, seeking information, understanding available rights and options, and staying focused on the individual needs of the child.

After spending hundreds and hundreds of hours learning from experienced advocates, studying the rights and protections available to students with disabilities, reviewing educational records and evaluations, and navigating the special education process firsthand, those experiences shaped Cynthia’s commitment to help other families.

Cynthia wishes to share what she has learned so families can become informed, prepared, and active participants in their children's education. She approaches advocacy with preparation, persistence, respect, and a commitment to keeping each child's individual needs at the center of the conversation.

Families may request information and guidance regarding:

• Understanding special education rights

• Preparing for IEP meetings

• Reviewing educational records and evaluations

• Requesting evaluations and reevaluations

• Understanding procedural safeguards

• Navigating Section 504 and ADA accommodations

• Identifying available resources and next steps

If you have questions, would like to discuss a special education concern, or are seeking guidance regarding your child’s educational rights, please feel free to reach out. I would be happy to do a free consult.

Cynthia Dimapan
Founder & Parent Advocate
Email: cdimapan@disabilityaccessrights.com
Phone: (803) 586-1822

Disability Access Rights provides information, resources, and advocacy support. Services do not constitute legal advice, legal representation, or the practice of law. Families seeking legal advice should consult a licensed attorney.