As always, a great place to start is with Wrightslaw for an overview:

http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/dp.index.htm

It is necessary to make sure that you follow the rules that are specific to Connecticut when you pursue your claim. In order to do so, you should review these resources:

The Connecticut Network for Legal Aid provides the following guideline:

http://ctlawhelp.org/special-education-in-connecticut?gclid=CjwKEAiAxsymBRCegqiLzI7Q1S8SJADOgQrz4UjXMfDQuL6lTV758sBvEtADc8QsV2-11Vslxj0V6BoCwHzw_wcB

The State of Connecticut, Department of Education, Division of Special Education has its own helpful publication:

http://ctlawhelp.org/special-education-in-connecticut?gclid=CjwKEAiAxsymBRCegqiLzI7Q1S8SJADOgQrz4UjXMfDQuL6lTV758sBvEtADc8QsV2-11Vslxj0V6BoCwHzw_wcB

The 'Complaint Resolution' Process is set out in this State publication:

http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/Complaint_Resolution.pdf

I also HIGHLY suggest that you pick through these Due Process decisions to see what sort of issues are raised during the hearings, what evidence is customarily presented and what it might take to have a winning case:

http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/cwp/view.asp?a=2626&q=320712

Attorneys-- the following is a list of attorneys that I have worked along side with and who are committed to 'the cause'

Attorney Andrew Feinstein
Mystic, CT
Website:   http://www.attorneyfeinstein.com/

Attorney Anne Treimanis
Norwalk, CT
Website: http://spedlawyers.com/

Attorney Jeniffer Laviano
Sherman, CT
Website: http://www.connecticutspecialeducationlawyer.com/

Attorney Nora Belanger
Norwalk, CT
Website: www.norabelangerlaw.com    

Attorney Dana Jonson

Bethel, CT

http://www.connecticutspecialedattorney.com/index.html                                                              

 Note: Legal Services Groups in Connecticut
Legal Services lawyers specializing in special education provide free representation to low income families.

Contact information for all of the regional legal services groups in Connecticut can be found at   www.ctlawhelp.org 

ADVOCATES -- There are times when the situation does not call for an attorney and you might be better suited using the services of an advocate to advise or assist.

Kathleen Casparino - http://www.ctedadvisors.com/about-us.html

Julie Swanson - http://www.yourspecialchild.com/juliesadvocacyservices.html

Noreen O'Mahoney - http://www.collaborativeadvocacy.com/CAAFounder.html

Legal Stuff

Sometimes when all else fails it is necessary to file for Due Process (or at least for Mediation). Here are some basic sites to help you get started on the process.

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