Category Archives: Uncategorized

James Tate…THIS is When They Choose to React?

Published on May 11, 2011 by Jennifer Laviano

Like everybody in the State of Connecticut, and the nation, and it seems the world, I am following the James Tate story.  And no, I do not represent him.  I will be dating myself with this reference, but not since I was prom-aged myself have I seen such an adorable, romantic gesture as James’ prom [...]

A Father’s Legacy to Special Education Advocacy

Published on June 21, 2009 by Jennifer Laviano

On this Father’s Day, I can’t help but be a little sad.  Much as I will try to spend today letting my husband know how much our daughters and I appreciate him as a father, today is the anniversary of my own father’s death.  Seven years ago today, and in many ways, it feels like [...]

There is Good on Both Sides of the Fence

Published on June 16, 2009 by Jennifer Laviano

I have mentioned before that I am a second generation special education attorney.  My late father represented children with special needs, and I mentored under and learned from him for many years before becoming a lawyer myself.  My dad had a lot of favorite quotations from others, and more than a few of his own [...]

10 Tips for Starting a Special Education Law Practice, Part X

Published on May 24, 2009 by Jennifer Laviano

The stakes are incredibly high when one is representing the interests of children with special education needs.  While I think it is a good idea to weigh the “pros and cons” of entering any field of practice, or any profession for that matter, my personal belief is that this particular calling requires more consideration, research [...]

Bullying of Kids with Disabilities : How Can We Make it Stop?

Published on April 22, 2009 by Jennifer Laviano

Yet another sad story of a child who committed suicide because he was being bullied at school.  Poor Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover of Massachusetts killed himself, apparently to put an end to the constant bullying to which he was subjected by his peers at school.  Reportedly, Carl was routinely humiliated based on perceptions on his tormentors’ [...]