Tag Archives: Eligibility under IDEA

10 Special Ed “Back To School” Readiness Questions

Published on August 30, 2010 by Jennifer Laviano

It’s “back to school” time!  While many of my clients receive Extended School Year (ESY) services over the summer, I have learned over the years in my special education law practice that, regardless of whether your child receives ESY services, a number of things can occur over a summer that might impact his or her [...]

Phoebe Prince, Bullying, Disabilities, and the Eggshell Skull

Published on August 10, 2010 by Jennifer Laviano

There is a theory in the law known as the “eggshell skull principle”, which, in essence, means that a person who commits a wrongful act takes their victim as they find them.  For example, Person A hits Person  B over the head with a baseball bat.  Of course it’s an assault, but you’d also assume [...]

“But Quentin Tarantino is VERY Successful!”

Published on April 25, 2010 by Jennifer Laviano

As a parents’ special education attorney in Connecticut, I hear outrageous statements that parents are told by their school districts on an almost daily basis.  But, sometimes, I am told something that passes the realm of outrageous, and crosses into ridiculous.

Such statements mislead or misrepresent the school’s legal obligations, and always [...]

On Giftedness, Disability, and Public Perceptions

Published on April 20, 2010 by Jennifer Laviano

So, I have been following the new series Parenthood with interest.  Yes, I loved the movie, and I like enough of the cast members to have tuned in.  But I started to commit to watching it weekly when I saw they were incorporating a story line about a family grappling with their child’s diagnosis of [...]

Emotional Disabilities Under the IDEA

Published on September 19, 2009 by Jennifer Laviano

If there is one area of disability which, in my experience, most parents do not realize can fall within the auspices of “special education,” it is mental illness.  I can’t tell you how many times in my Connecticut special education law practice parents have called me because their child’s psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or therapist [...]

I’m Not Buying It

Published on August 30, 2009 by Jennifer Laviano

When I talk to parents whose children are in middle or high school who have not yet been identified for special education services, most of the time they will tell me that they have had concerns for years.  Many times, there are also teachers or other educators in the school district who have shared similar [...]

“He’s Too Smart for Special Education”

Published on August 12, 2009 by Jennifer Laviano

As a parents’ special education attorney in Connecticut, I hear outrageous statements that parents are told by their school districts on an almost daily basis.  But, sometimes, I am told something that passes the realm of outrageous, and crosses into ridiculous.

Such statements mislead or misrepresent the school’s legal obligations, and always in a way that [...]

The DSM-V: How Will It Impact Special Education?

Published on June 27, 2009 by Jennifer Laviano

I am not even remotely a mental health professional.   I majored in English Literature and went on to become an attorney.  However, in my special education law practice in Connecticut, I brush up against psychologists and psychiatrists every day, and rely on them to let me know what, if any, disabilities my clients have, and [...]