Special Ed Justice

Special Ed Justice

News, information, tips and observations on special education law. Posts cover the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, tips for parents who are reviewing the results of school district testing, and "outrageous statements that parents are told by their school districts on an almost daily basis."

Author: Jennifer Laviano is a solo practitioner in Sherman, Conn. She is also on the board of directors of Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, an organization of attorneys, special education advocates and parents, and co-host of the weekly radio show Your Special Education Rights with Jen and Julie on Autism One Radio.

Blawg Related Categories: Civil Rights • Education Law • Solo / Small Firm

Recent Posts from Special Ed Justice


  • “They Should Tell You This is Part of The Job!”

    Several years ago, I was cross-examining a teacher in a Due Process Hearing.  It was a pretty hotly contested case, and we were several days into testimony.  The student (my client) had severe dyslexia, which…

  • There’s Water on the Moon…What about FAPE?

    I had a discussion with a client today that went something like this: Client:  “I’ve about had it with this school district!  If things don’t get better, I’m going to move.” Me:       “You’re not moving…

  • Court Rules to Protect Teacher Who Protected Kids with Disabilities

    One of the more controversial posts I’ve written is this one, encouraging public school teachers and service providers to speak out against violations of the civil rights of children with disabilities when they see it.…

  • Assistive Technology Under IDEA

    Did you know that Assistive Technology is required, by federal law, to be considered in the development of EVERY SINGLE IEP? Yes, that’s right.  AT should be discussed every time an IEP is being developed.…

  • What is Connecticut’s “DDS”?

    If you have been a resident of Connecticut for a while, you might be confused when you hear references to “DDS.”  What is this?  Is this a new State agency? In Connecticut, DDS is the…

  • A Day Late and A Dollar Short

    When lawyers get involved, very often experts are retained.  I get it.  Really, I do.  But nothing makes me quite as angry as when a school district brings in an outside expert for the purpose…

  • I Guess This Is “One Lovely Blog”!

    Here are the rules of the ‘One Lovely Blog’ award: Accept the award Post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog…

  • Sour Grapes

    Hey, nobody likes having to admit they were wrong.  I don’t like it, and I’m sure you don’t either.  But it never ceases to amaze me how much time and money is spent litigating special…

  • Mass Exiting

    Once a student has been identified as being eligible for special education and related services under the IDEA, they remain so until and unless they 1) graduate from high school, 2) “age out” of eligibility,…

  • Interpreters for IEP Team Meetings

    Parents of children with special needs routinely tell me that they don’t understand their child’s IEP Team.  But what if this were LITERALLY true?  For parents of children with disabilities who are either deaf or…