2011 News--New blog to discuss special education issues with me. To find the blog please go to: http://specialeducationspotlight.disabilitydeception.com 

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Disability Deception reduced
to $7.50 plus shipping! This is over 60% below  list price--what a bargain! $11.50 for a book filled with advocacy information and resources not in an other book!

The Office of Civil Rights which is part of the US Department of Education has decided to expand its scope of reach to school districts. They are doing this by opening 74 compliance reviews in states, school districts and higher education institutions.

OCR is examining graduation rates at community colleges for the first time in its history!!! Other areas of review are: do students have equal access to college prepatory curriculum, advance courses and other advanced opportunites. 

Another issue OCR is investigating is the disproportionate use of discipline agains minority students. Since this has been a huge problem across the states I am excited by OCR's decision to investigate this issue. 

Rarely does OCR do anything to help students with disabilities so this is exciting!

No mention of what school districts are being reviewed.

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Restraint and Seclusion bill introduced in the US Senate by Senator Tom Harkin--SB 2020 "The Keeping All Students Safe Act!"

This bill will:

1. Ban all seclusion of children.
2. Prohibit physical restraint except for emergencies, when there is an immediate threat of serous bodily injury (not just because a child is not complying).
3. Require schools to use less restrictive measures before attempting restraint.
4. Requires restraint to end when emergency ends.
5. Bans the use of mechanical restraints such as Rifton Chairs, or taping or tying children to furniture. Also bans chemical restraints.
6. Bans restraints that impair breathing or threaten life!!
7. Bans restraints that prevent children from communicating (using PECS or sign language).
8. Requires schools to notify parents in writing within 24 hours of using restrainsts.
9. Prohibits placing physical restraints in a child's IEP or safety plan  as a planned intervention.
10. Applies to all students in publin school. Also applies to students in private school that are at district expense.

JoAnn--This bill is fantastic and I think would go a long way in protecting children with disabilities. I would like to see though language that requires the use of positive behavioral interventions--this would solve a lot of children's problems.

Though PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support) have been around a long time schools still refuse or fight the use of them. They are the only research based way to deal with a child's negative behavior!

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Brand new 2011 testimonials: 

1. "I was so into the book, that I kept reading until I finished it at 4:00 in the morning! Great book!"

2. "Some books on special education are too confusing, but this one was easy to understand and gave great advocacy tips."

3. "Loved the stories! Gave me hope that if the author can do it (advocate for her children) so can I!"
 
4. "This book should be read by every parent that has a child with special needs--awesome!

JoAnn--thanks for all these testimonials!


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Check out the question from parent Eric J Smith on the Ezine article page, and JoAnn's answer! Subject is mainstreaming! 

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If you are a parent who would like a copy of Disability Deception but
have not been able to afford it-- this message is for you! I have made a commitment to send a complimentary copy of my book  to every parent even if they cannot afford to purchase the book. If you would like to receive one please send me an E mail at: JoAnn@disabilitydeception.com

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Advocacy Services Available for parents who need help with their child's education!
Check Out Advocacy Services offered on the Advocacy  Services page of this Website! Also check out the  Advocacy testimonial from an Illinois parent!

Recession rates continue to be available! Many of the services can be done by E mail, fax and phone! Finally get the  help you need as you advocate for your child!

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Testimonial: "I took your sug-
gestions and even used a tape recorder at my son's IEP meeting. The meeting was very polite while we went through every detail of my son's needs! They gave us everything that we felt our child needed! Thanks so much for your help!" Parent
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 New Testimonial

"If you are facing special ed-
ucation for the first time a good book to read is Disability Deception! This book is a great
readers digest of introductory
information about special
education. This book will also
guide you to other important
resources."

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Feedback on Amazon:

"I would recommend this book to anyone with a child in  special education. It was very helpful and easy to read. There  are many useful  links and sample etters in this  book! I say A+"

"Quality as promised, definitely recommend!"

"Wonderful service and the
book is great. Thank You!"

Parent from my county in Illinois: "Book is good. Great
for parents of young children!"

Testimonial:  "I purchased
Disability Deception, which is
now my bible! It has been a
wonder for me. When times are
getting tough I reach out for your book and its like a big bear hug- Thank You x!"

Testimonial: " Beware---Only
For People Who Respect The
Truth! Thank You! Thank You!"

"Thank You! I have had this book  in my possession now for a  couple of months, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Not having a lot of knowledge on how the education department,
teachers, and schools in
general conduct themselves at  IEP meetings, this book has  become my new bible! . . . It's easy to read,understand and
has a plethera of information
that any parent cannot do
without. . . I would recommend this book to everyone! I only  wish that your book and yourself was more exposed. . . The most honest  and useful book I have read in a
long time." LZ Georgia

"This book may be the most
practical guide ever compiled for parents who's child needs
special education services.. The book is Disability
Deception by Bradley's JoAnn  Collins. Collins is the mother of  two grown children with
developmental disabilities who  had to navigate through the  public education system. Collins is a ferocious advocate for getting the proper services for children in need. . .
The knowledge behind the book was gathered the hard way.  Collins is a veteran of hundreds  of Individual Education Plan meetings or IEPs  as they are called, are required  for the placement of any child in special education . . . The book
has a tremendous amount of positives:

1. There are sample letters that parents can write, demanding their rights from school districts . . .
2. There's a glossary of acronymbs. But if you've ever been befuddled by edu-talk babble, the book is a plus.
3. There's a great list of Web sites in the back. . .

Although not an attorney, Collins has some pretty clear advice on dealing
with meetings. In fact its pretty  good advice in a lot of situations. Get things in writing. Don't get
rattled or lose your cool. Bring  someone with you. Insist on your rights. Tape record the meetings.  Come with organized notes. Read all the material.
- Phil Angelo  from the newspaper the "Daily Journal"

New testimonial: "Thank you for teaching me about behavior and the importance of paying  attention to what is happening  with your child."

"It is by far the best book I have ever read during my seven-year collection of information process. So many of my questions were answered in this book. Wow!"
-Parent, Texas

"Disability Deception is superb, up-to-date, highly detailed, readily-understandable. Ms. Collins has written a handbook every special education parent needs to read. An experienced and effective advocate, the author gives a step-by-step walk through of all the necessary, highly complicated procedures for obtaining legitimate services. A call to arms, Disability Deception, is required reading. Don't hesitate, buy it."
-DH, from California

"Disability Deception, what a treasure. There are so many good resources and legal information. It reads in a very understandable narrative."
-Frustrated Special Ed Teacher

"I am so glad that someone
finally wrote a book about lies associated with special
education. Great"
-Parent from Illinois

"Ms. Collins isn't a lawyer but
an extremely knowledgable
person from the trenches. A
must-read for any parent with a special-needs child."
-Attorney from Tennessee

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I love to get E mails about how you used Disability Deception to help your child get a specific service, or to ensure that your child gets a free appropriate public education (FAPE)!

Below are listed a few that I have received:

1. New--"Well I must admit--your book  is the very best advocacy tool I have
ever seen!! I read it cover to cover in 2 days, ear marking the pages, and then highligted reference materials until  my ink went dry! But now I am
completely lost because someone 
borrowed my book, and I do not know where my beloved Bible is at present.
I need to order another copy! " 
Trish Luberda, CSEC (Name used with permission). Thank You so much!!

2. New--"Thank you for the phenomenal book! I haven't read a book with a
highlighter in hand since college, but I wanted to make sure that I had the book with me for my upcoming
IEP meeting. I just told my special needs parent support group members that they are welcome to borrow the book, but they really need their own copy!"

3.  "I was able to get special
education personnel to provide services for my son by using an advocacy tip that I learned in
Disability Deception! Thank You
JoAnn!"
 
4. "I went to my son's IEP meeting armed with information that I can use that I learned from Disability Deception!"
"Disability Deception has very good points that are extremely useful. It
was helpful at our last IEP meeting to get services that my child needed."

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Free E newsletter available!

New Testimony about newsletter: "Thank you for the informative newsletter!"
 
The Special Education Spotlight which shines the spotlight on truths and deceptions in special education is put out  on the First of every month. The E newsletter contains:

1. JoAnn's Corner which gives me the opportunity to discuss important special education issues that parents are
experiencing.

2. Special Education Deception of the  month which discusses a different deception every month and gives advocacy information on how to overcome
the deception.

3. Disability and Special Education News  that discusses up to date cases and news that parents of children with disabilities are interested in. Any new legislation related to special education also discussed.

4. Resources that will help you as a parent advocate for an appropriate education for your child with autism or another disability.

For more information about the Special Education Spotlight click the E newsletter page above.

To receive the newsletter: Send an E mail  to: JoAnn@disabilitydeception.com.