The definitive guide for parents of children with disabilities is out. This book   is authored by two special education experts and draws on decades of experience from the front lines of special education advocacy. The authors, Jennifer Laviano and Julie Swanson, detail a strong, practical, and results oriented perspective that helps parents cut through the fog of special education to get the services their children deserve. "Our bottom line is parents are often ineffective at advocating for their child because they don't know their rights," said Jennifer Laviano, co-author and special education attorney. "We see it time and again: The child doesn't get what he or she needs because the parents don't know what they don't know. This book looks to change that," Laviano added. Your Special Education Rights  demystifies the federal laws related to public school children with disabilities and explains how school districts often ignore or circumvent the law. "We're passionate to pull the curtain back on the realities of special education - and tell parents the truths that school districts don't always disclose," said Julie Swanson, co-author and special education advocate, who's also the mother of a child with a disability. "Our message to parents is - plain and simple: Know your rights or run the risk of being taken advantage of," Swanson added. Your Special Education Rights  provides parents with vital information and specific guidance to address key challenges - including: How to respond to special education "urban legends" like your child is "too smart" for services; how to avoid "toothless" language in a special education plan; and overcoming discrimination and low expectations. The book also explains why now, more than ever before, parents must be vigilant to protect children's rights - and how recent Supreme Court case law and changes at the federal level impact children with disabilities. Though  Your Special Education Rights  is for parents primarily, educators and administrators can also learn how difficult it can be for parents to understand the special education system, which hopefully helps schools and parents work more closely. "With wit and wisdom this dynamic duo of skilled practitioners share helpful insight for families struggling to access special education services and supports." —Denise Marshall, executive director, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates "With this book, Jennifer and Julie make the IEP process a little less scary, by providing real, step-by-step examples of how to navigate the world of special education. This is the book I wish existed when my son was diagnosed with autism fourteen years ago, as it would have served as an invaluable resource for my advocacy on his behalf. A must-have for all parents of children receiving special education services!" —Shannon Knall, Wisconsin Autism Council "There are many books out there about special education rights, but this one stands out among the best. Jen and Julie bring decades of their collective wisdom to the table and it shows. They guide us through a complicated and confusing world that's wrought with jargon, misconceptions and steaming emotions, all while simultaneously injecting levity at exactly the right moments. . . . It’s this combination of passion, professionalism, and personality that makes Your Special Education Rights worth a read.” —David DesRoches, journalist, WNPR "What most special education parents want and need—a comprehensive but practical guide that not only discusses the law but also “What Your School District Isn’t Telling You” and “What You Can Do About It.” . . . I highly recommend this book not only to parents, but really to anyone involved in special education." —Mona Roy, attorney and mother of two special education children "In my position as an administrator at a school for students with learning disabilities, I receive at least one request per week from families of students with LD asking what their rights are in the public-school setting and what the procedures are for exercising them. I’ve long wished that I could refer those families (and related professionals) to a single resource. That resource has arrived. . . . Every parent of a student with LD in the US school system should keep handy a copy of this surprisingly clear guide to emotionally fraught terrain." —Kevin Pendergast, head of school, the Kildonan School Jennifer Laviano is a special education attorney in private practice in Connecticut. Her firm's representation of children with special needs encompasses the full spectrum of advocacy under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504, from attendance at IEP team meetings and mediation to litigation in due process hearings and federal court. She is a regular presenter on the subject of the special legal rights of children with disabilities and their entitlement to receive a free and appropriate education and to be free from disability-based discrimination.