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February 4, 2025 Community News and Views

Need Help With Your Child’s IEP? Order CHD’s New ‘IEP Guide for All’

Few things strike more dread into parents’ (and teachers’) hearts than IEP meetings, where they are expected to plan a year’s worth of services and educational goals. Prepared parents can harness the power of disability law to make sure their children’s needs are met — but where to start?

As the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) has risen, so has the need for individual education plans — IEPs.

Few things strike more dread into parents’ (and teachers’) hearts than IEP meetings, where they are expected to plan a year’s worth of services and educational goals.

Prepared parents can harness the power of disability law to make sure their children’s needs are met — but where to start?

Children’s Health Defense (CHD) has teamed up with professional IEP advocates Jennifer Laviano and Julie Swanson to make it easy for parents and teachers. CHD’s new book, “IEP Guide for All: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know about Individualized Education Programs,” is just the guide you need to write truly effective plans for your children!

You can preorder the book here.

Why this book is unlike any other

Understanding what your child or student needs is one thing, but getting those needs met can be another thing altogether.

Drawing on decades of experience, special education attorney Jennifer Laviano and advocate/disability specialist Julie Swanson are uniquely positioned to guide parents and teachers through the IEP process and get those needs met.

“IEP Guide for All” breaks down the legal and standardized language to help everyone confidently navigate the IEP process. Whether you’re a parent, a first-time educator, or an experienced educator, this guide highlights what you need to know about the IEP process to make sure your students get the resources they need to succeed.

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What readers are saying

  • “A must-have for teachers and parents, and I’ve sat on both sides of the table.” — Allie Grafman, CT Parent Advocate and former coordinator of Special Education
  • “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 14 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
  • “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

Click here to reserve your copy. Check out CHD’s bookstore for all our latest books.

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