IEP Guide for All

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.

Julie Swanson is a special education advocate and disability specialist. She started her practice as an advocate to secure appropriate special education programming for her son who has autism. As an advocate, she helps parents of children with all disabilities navigate the special education and 504 process. She speaks frequently on special education matters and has a long-standing history of service on special education-related state boards, task forces, and legislative appointments to state councils. She is also the founder of The Life Skills Lady, a website devoted to increasing independence and adult outcomes in individuals who have autism through adaptive and life skills. She can be followed on social media @lifeskillslady.