Published on
June 29, 2010 by
Jennifer Laviano
I feel a little guilty for having neglected my blog most of this month, but the volume of IEP meetings, mediation, and Due Process Hearing commitments has prohibited me from writing much other than responses to Motions to Dismiss, 10 day notice letters, and a whole lot of nasty grams!
The month of June has left [...]
Filed Under Parents
Tags: Connecticut Education, Connecticut Special Education, Connecticut Special Education Law, Due Process, FAPE, IDEA, IDEA claims, IDEA Due Process Hearings, IEP Meetings, IEP Team, IEP Team meetings, IEP Team Members, IEPs, Meaningful Parental participation, Mediation, special education, special education attorneys, Special Education Due Process Hearings, Special Education Law and Advocacy, Special Education Law practice, special education laws, special education lawyers
Published on
May 6, 2010 by
Jennifer Laviano
Another late night at the Capitol last night, showing support for the passage of HB 5425. Around midnight, just before the legislative session ended, the Senate voted by consent (unanimously) to pass HB 5425. Yes, this is the same bill that previously included very concerning language regarding Connecticut’s Burden of Proof in special education due [...]
Filed Under Special Ed - CT specific
Tags: ABA services, ABA services and BCBA credentials, ABA services in IEP, autism, Autism spectrum disorders, connecticut, Connecticut autism legislation, Connecticut Education, Connecticut Special Education, Connecticut Special Education Law, CT autism laws, Due Process, due process hearings, IDEA, IDEA claims, IEP Meetings, IEP Team, IEP Team meetings, IEP Team Members, IEP Teams, Parent networking for disabilities, special education, special education attorneys, Special Education Due Process Hearings, Special Education Law and Advocacy, special education laws
Published on
December 15, 2009 by
Jennifer Laviano
How is it that, in disputes between parents and school districts, whenever an IEP Team Member starts to align their recommendations with the parents’ position, they suddenly stop getting invited to that child’s IEP Meetings? In my Connecticut special education law practice, I see this all the time.
Example 1: the parents believe that their child [...]
Filed Under Tips for Parents
Tags: Connecticut Education, Connecticut Special Education, Connecticut Special Education Law, Duly Constituted IEP Team, IDEA, IEP Team, IEP Team meetings, IEP Team Members, IEP Teams, Invitation to IEP meetings, special education, Special Education Law
Published on
November 9, 2009 by
Jennifer Laviano
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.
Of course, I didn’t think it was controversial when I wrote it; I thought it was common sense.
My goal was to [...]
Published on
August 26, 2009 by
Jennifer Laviano
It’s hard to believe that in the space of just two weeks, the disability rights movement has lost two great warriors: Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Ted Kennedy. And yet, it’s fascinating to consider the very different, and yet essential roles they each played in the movement. As I reflect on their passing, I can’t help [...]
Filed Under Current Affairs
Tags: ADA, Connecticut Special Education, disabilities rights movement, Eunice Kennedy Shriver and special education, IDEA, Parent networking for disabilities, Rights of individuals with disabilities, special education, Special Education Law, special olympics, Ted Kennedy and special education
Published on
August 19, 2009 by
Jennifer Laviano
I have represented hundreds of children with special education needs over the years. You can imagine that, if the parents have decided to hire an attorney, there isn’t a lot of “warm and fuzzy” going on between them and the school. There is frustration. There is disappointment. There is confusion. There is anger, and sometimes [...]
Published on
August 7, 2009 by
Jennifer Laviano
I remember when my father first got into special education law in the 80s, and he would hear about notices posted on the bulletin board in the Teacher’s Lounge in various districts. He was usually told about incriminating ones by other teachers “off the record;” many times they were teachers who happened to be parents [...]
Published on
August 2, 2009 by
Jennifer Laviano
I am by no means a psychiatrist, psychologist, school psychologist, special education teacher, or related service provider. I am not licensed or trained in administering any of the test typically given to students with disabilities in our public schools. However, over the many years I have been representing children with special education needs in my [...]
Filed Under Tips for Parents
Tags: Connecticut Special Education, evaluating all areas of suspected disability, evaluations, Evaluations under IDEA, IDEA, IEEs, informed consent, special education, Special Education Law, special education testing, triennial testing
Published on
July 31, 2009 by
Jennifer Laviano
When parents of children with disabilities have reached the point that they have called me, they are incredibly frustrated and overwhelmed with their school district. Yes, sometimes they are angry, but far more often than that, they are worried, upset, and fearful about their child’s future. In addition, they are often conflicted about whether to [...]
Published on
July 22, 2009 by
Jennifer Laviano
If you have been spending any time at all in the special education community, whether as a parent, educator, or other professional, you have likely heard the term “least restrictive environment,” commonly referred to as “LRE.” This provision of the IDEA states that: “to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, including children in public [...]
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