OCR's Technical Assistance Helps People and Institutions

The aim of OCR’s technical assistance efforts is to prevent violations of the civil rights laws. We accomplish that aim by helping recipients comply with the laws and helping beneficiaries understand their rights. With the millions of students protected by the civil rights laws, OCR recognizes that its efforts alone are insufficient to stop illegal discrimination in education. Students, parents, and educators must have the knowledge and skills to prevent illegal discrimination from occurring in the first place.

OCR provides assistance to enable institutions to come into compliance during the complaint resolution process or during a compliance review. In addition, OCR conducts a broad program of proactive technical assistance outreach through a variety of methods, including on-site consultations, training classes, workshops, meetings, and participation in conferences. OCR also responds to inquiries and requests for assistance from other federal agencies, state and local education agencies, community groups, parents, students, and the general public.

Many OCR offices have developed customer service teams to be more responsive to its partners and stakeholders, and to members of the general public. OCR has established a home page, http://www.ed.gov/ocr, which is also linked to the Department’s website.