Attorney Jennifer Laviano is in private practice in Connecticut. She will teach a course entitled “Introduction to Special Education Law” at Solo Practice University™.
Jennifer holds an undergraduate degree in English Literature from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, and she earned her Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut.
Jennifer has dedicated her law practice entirely to the representation of children and adolescents with disabilities whose families are in disagreement with their public school districts. Her representation of children with special needs encompasses the full spectrum of advocacy under the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), from attendance at IEP Team meetings and Mediation, to zealous and experienced litigation in Due Process Hearings and Federal Court.
Jennifer is a regular presenter, both locally and nationally, on the subject of the special legal rights of children with disabilities and their entitlement to receive a Free and Appropriate Education. She also serves on the Board of Directors of COPAA, the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, which is the leading national voice on special education rights and advocacy. Jennifer is also the co-host of the weekly radio show “Your Special Education Rights with Jen and Julie” on Autism One Radio.
Jennifer represents children with special needs throughout the State of Connecticut.
To learn more, visit Jennifer’s website and read her Special Ed Justice blog.
Syllabus – Introduction to Special Education Law
- What is the IDEA: An Overview
- FAPE is a Free Appropriate Public Education. But what does it mean?
- “Free” is “at no cost”
- “Appropriate” means the Chevy not the Cadillac
- “Public” might mean private
- “Education” is more than just academics
- IEP: The Individualized Education Plan
- Procedural Safeguards
- LRE: The Least Restrictive Environment Provision of the IDEA
- Discipline, Manifestation Determinations and “stay-put”
- Alternative Dispute Resolutions: Mediation, Resolution Sessions and More
- Due Process Hearings
- Attorneys’ Fees Reimbursement
- Appeals of Due Process Hearings
- One vs. Two-Tiered States
- State or Federal Court
- Prevailing Party Fee Applications
- Practical Tips for Opening A Special Education Law Office
- Other Relevant Statutes: Section 504, FERPA, 1983, No Child Left Behind, and More