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On August 8, 2001, we published the first issue of The Beacon, the new electronic journal of special education law and practice. The response was overwhelmingly. On November 20, we published the Fall issue of The Beacon to more than 2,000 subscribers.

2009

Suzanne Whitney, research editor for Wrightslaw, shows how billions of special education federal funds historically go unspent. Examiner.com (07/05)

Shedding Light on Special Needs Education. Eastern Washington University and Northwest Autism Center host a Wrightslaw conference. Cheney Free Press (07/03)

A proud parent of the newly accredited Bridge Academy writes a letter to the Editor recounting Pete's history with Diana King and The Academy of Orton-Gillingham. CentralJersey.com (6/24)

Free Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training Seminar. Pete Wright, founder of Wrightslaw and the first attorney to argue and win a special needs advocacy case in front of the Supreme Court, is coming to South Florida. Heidi Colston, Norfolk Plantation Family & Parenting Examiner (06/23)

Summer Reading for Parents of Special Needs Students. What better way to choose books to read than to have someone who has already read them recommend them! Here are some books every parent of a child with special needs should read. Kindall Nelson, Chicago Special Education Examiner (06/13)

Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 2nd Edition (Perfect Paperback by Peter W. D. Wright; Pamela Darr Wright. Nobody who buys this book will be disappointed.
Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy: The Special Education Survival Guide by Peter W. D. Wright, Pamela Darr Wright . Can you tell I have a couple of favorite authors when it comes to helping parents be advocates for their children? The Wright team is an amazing resource for parents.

Attorney in Key Special Education Case to Speak to Autism Group. Attorney Pete Wright who represented a special-education plaintiff Shannon Carter in a landmark Supreme Court case, and psychotherapist Pam Wright will appear at a Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Boot Camp for parents and professionals May 29 and 30. The Maui News (04/22)

Bellinger '09 Receives Equal Justice Works Fellowship. Sarah is enrolled in the Special Education Advocacy and Law course taught by Adjunct Professors Pamela Darr Wright and Peter Wright. The new course and new Special Education Advocacy Clinic are part of the Law School’s Parents Engaged for Learning Equality Initiative (PELE). William & May Law School (04/07)

National & Local Evidence of Reading Neglect and How You Can Fix It. Read the article by Robin Hansen, SF Special Education Examiner about the comprehensive list of outstanding links to information about the lack of preparation in reading instruction for many special education teachers by nationally known child psychologist Pam Wright. Robin's article features "Fifth grader is reading at 2.7 grade level. Should he be tested for Special Ed?" from the Wrightslaw Way Blog. (03/31)

The Best Kept Secret in Special Ed. SF Special Education Examiner Robin Hansen focuses on dyslexia and discusses "famous dyslexic special education attorney" Pete Wright's defense of Shannon Carter's case before the US Supreme Court. (03/29)

Patty Roberts Clinical Director of Programs at W&M Law School presents Pete and Pam Wright with Wrightslaw Army logo Breit and Wrights Lauded for Contributions to Parents Engaged for Learning Equality Initiative. Clinical Assistant Professor of Law and Director of Clinical Programs Patricia Roberts presented the Wrights with ball caps and t-shirts emblazoned with the words "Wrightslaw Army," to remind them, she said, of how the Initiative started and to mark the start of the new Initiative at the Law School. (02/20)

Plotting the Course. The daily care for a special needs child can be daunting, before adding schooling into the mix. One of the best handbooks available today is Wrightslaw: No Child Left Behind, Peter W. D. Wright (Author), Pamela Darr Wright (Author), Suzanne Whitney Heath (Author). An all -inclusive roadmap for guidance through the sometimes difficult terrain. Leslie Martini, Boston Special Needs Kids Examiner (02/16)

Elizabeth Cohen's article "Getting Help For A Child With Autism" that recommends both the wrightslaw.com and yellowpagesforkids.com websites as resources is posted on the CNN Blog. (02/09) The original article was published by CNN.com on March 25, 2008.

Autism: Growing Challenge. Read what Sharon Mullen did to make sure she gave parents the right information. "She started taking a training class through www.wrightslaw.com, a special education law and advocacy site for children with disabilities. Mullen recently began the self-paced CD-ROM and book and plans to finish the advocacy training in a few weeks. Martinsville Bulletin (02/08) Article in pdf

The Wright's present a conference at the William & Mary Law School's Sadler Center as a Fundraiser for the Parents Engaged for Learning Equality (PELE) Special Education Advocacy Program. (01/30)

William and Mary Law School opens the PELE clinic to assist children with special needs and their families. Pete and Pam Wright become Adjunct Professors at the William and Mary Law School. (01/28)

2008

VA Trial Lawyer's Association joins W & M Law School to Assist Families with Special Needs. Special education experts Pete and Pam Wright present a conference fundraiser and kickoff for Parents Engaged in Learning Equality (PELE). VTLA Law Letter Online (12/19)

Workshops in Hawaii are teaching homeless parents how to navigate the state's special-education system by using the book Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, 2nd Edition. Read the article in the Star Bulletin. (11/17)

Read the seventh installment of "The Wright Way" column in Spectrum magazine. This bi-monthly column focuses on protecting parent-school relationships. (June/July)

Christina Samuels of Education Week wrote a review "It's All Wright" for the new The Wrightslaw Way blog. (5/8)

"Exceptional Educators Honored with Awards", Anne W. Semme's article in the Greenwich Citizen, mentions using the wrightslaw.com site for parents and educators to understand their special education rights and responsiblities. (5/30)

Read the sixth installment of "The Wright Way" column in Spectrum magazine. This bi-monthly column focuses on your childs IEP and the roadmap to get there. (Apr/May)

Elizabeth Cohen's article "Getting Help For A Child With Autism" recommends both the wrightslaw.com and yellowpagesforkids.com websites as resources. Read the CNN.com article. (3/25)

Read the fifth installment of "The Wright Way" column in Spectrum magazine. This bi-monthly column focuses on parent advocacy. (Feb/Mar)

2007

Crisis Management Step-by-Step is the fourth installment of "The Wright Way" column in Spectrum magazine. (Holiday Issue 12)

Read the third installment of "The Wright Way" column in Spectrum magazine. This bi-monthly column focuses on how to become an advocate for your child. (Oct/Nov)

Sheryl Knapp interviews Pete and Pam Wright for the September issue of Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities newsletter. In this second interview, the noted duo weighs in on a range of controversial subjects impacting students with LD. Read Pete & Pam Wright Redux. (09/07)

Read Pam Wright's comments in The Wall Street Journal's, "When Special Education Goes Too Easy on Students". (08/21)

Special Education Law and Advocacy Online Training Launched. Wrightslaw, the special education advocacy group, and Harbor House Law Press, Inc., the Virginia-based publishing and training company, is launching web-based training for parents, educators, service providers, advocates, attorneys. Pete Wright and Pam Wright, founders of Wrightslaw.com, will provide online training on a variety of topics. (7/25)

Read the second installment of "The Wright Way" column in Spectrum magazine. The Back To School issue focuses on preparing yourself and your kids for the upcoming school year. (August/Sept)

The cover story, "Success at School" in the back to school issue of ADDitude magazine features Wrightslaw.com and Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, 2nd Edition in the "Back to School Resources" section. This issue gives advice on working with teachers, helping with homework, and setting up your child to achieve success at school. (09/07)

Pete and Pam Wright presented a four-part parent support and learning series in Virginia, reported by the Gloucester-Mathews Gazette Journal. (07/26)

"The Wright Way", Pete Wright's debut column in Spectrum magazine. This issue focuses on getting organized, The File: Do It Right! (June/July)

Education Week talks to Pete Wright about the May 21st ruling by the United States Supreme Court, were he placed the Winkelman decision in the top three or four in importance of about 10 IDEA cases decided by the justices. (06/06)

The Kojo Nnamdi Show on WAMU 88.5 FM, based in Washington DC, interviewed Pete Wright for it's daily radio talk show. The live NPR broadcast focused on the recent United States Supreme Court decision, Winkelman v Parma City School District, that parents may proceed in court unrepresented by counsel. (05/24)

Read Pete Wright's comments in the The Vermont Reformer on the United States Supreme Court decision, Winkelman v. Parma City School District. "The pendulum has now swung back in favor of parents," Wright said. (5/22/07)

Pete Wright served as Master of Ceremonies for the Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities benefit in Westport, Connecticut. Pete presented this year's Community Service Award to Elaine Zimmerman, Executive Director of the Connecticut Commission on Children and the Professional Achievement Award to Diana Hanbury King. (5/17/07)

Read Kathryn Gleason's guest column in The Ithaca Journal, "Creativity Needed to Help Autistic Kids Thrive". She recommends visiting our site for guidance. (04/27)

Exceptional Parent magazine reviewed Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 2nd edition and Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, 2nd edition. These books were awarded the EP Symbol of Excellence. "Through Wrightslaw and From Emotions to Advocacy, Pete and Pam Wright have provided a great service to parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys, providing them with hands on resources that pack power to the punch". (03/07)

LD Podcast, a podcast for parents, by parents of children with learning disabilities interviewed Pete Wright this spring about the differences between an IEP and 504 accommodations and reading programs used in the public school system. (03/07)

2006

Pete and Pam Wright to Receive 2006 Smart Kids Community Service Award - Peter and Pamela Wright, who together created the Wrightslaw special education website, will receive the 2006 Smart Kids Community Service Award. Mr. Wright is a nationally renowned attorney with dyslexia who has represented hundreds of children with disabilities. (04/27/06)

Expert Prediction: Parents Face Long Odds in Supreme Court Case on Special Education - Connect for Kids Editor Susan Philllips interviews Pete Wright about his impressions of oral argument in Arlington v. Murphy, and implications of the case. (04/25/06)

U. S. Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument in Arlington v. Murphy - On April 19, the U. S. Supreme Court heard oral argument in the expert witness case, Arlington v. Murphy. Pete took notes of questions asked by the Justices. Pete shares his notes, impressions and observations of oral argument and predicts the outcome of the case. (04/24/06)

Couple's Series of Books, Website Contain Information for Parents - "While the laws can be complex and overwhelming, it all boils down to finding some time or at least get an idea of what the laws are so parents can use them to obtain the appropriate education program their child needs." Reporter Joy Koballa describes how Pete and Pam Wright's Boot Camps, websites, and books fulfill those needs for today's parents. (04/04/06)

Special Education Conference Features Children's Attorney - "Diagnosed with multiple learning disabilities in the second grade, a Richmond, Va., attorney recalled how condensation from a pitcher of Kool-Aid and some poster board used at a residential camp he attended served as pivotal tools in overcoming his struggles." Reporter Joyce Koballa highlights Pete and Pam's accomplishments and the many resources they provide to families. (04/04/06)

Children's Crusaders - Parents speak to Liz Stevens of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram about education and advocacy. "With special-needs kids, parents must sometimes become advocates to negotiate obstacles and find the best classroom fit." (02/21/06)

Q&A with Pete Wright: 'Kids are...Teaching-disabled' - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution talked to Wright about teaching kids to read, how to keep Individualized Education Program meetings from going sour and why parents shouldn't resist standardized testing. (02/02/06)

2005 Progress Report and Thank You Note - In 2005, more than 1.7 million people visited Wrightslaw. You downloaded more than 6.5 million files (more than 23 million hits). 2005 User Summary

"In January, our first DVD video, Surviving Due Process: Stephen Jeffers v. School Board won an Award of Excellence from the Aegis Awards. In August, we published Wrightslaw: IDEA 2004. By December, this book was in the 2nd printing with nearly 10,000 copies in print. In November, we published the 2nd edition of Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy. FETA-2 was completely revised to include IDEA 2004, No Child Left Behind, updated information about tests, and is receiving rave reviews.

2005

Pete and Pam Wright Recipients of Sinclair Award from Haberman Foundation - "Pete and Pam Wright have done more for parents of special needs children than anyone in the last five years. Their publications, presentations, workshops, newsletters and materials assist parents in navigating the Special Education maze." (12/19/05)

Pete Wright is Guest on Justice Talking - Pete Wright was a guest on NPR's Justice Talking, the weekly public radio program on legal issues and public policy. The topic was A Special Look at Special Education. Click this link to listen to the show. (11/3/05)

U. S. Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument in Schaffer v. Weast - Pete Wright shares his notes about questions from the Justices and offers observations and impressions of oral argument in the burden of proof case. (10/8/05)

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - Burden of Proof - On Parents or Schools? The National Council on Disability (NCD) published IDEA Burden of Proof: On Parents or Schools? The NCD asserts that school districts, not parents, should have the burden of proof in issues about IEPs, placement, eligibility, and other matters related to an appropriate education. The author of this Position Paper is Pete Wright. (8/9/05)

Special Offer on Wrightslaw: IDEA-2004. Wrightslaw: IDEA 2004 is available as a print publication and an e-book. People who order the E-book & Print Combo between Tuesday, June 28 and Friday, July 15 will receive a "$10 Off Coupon" that may be applied to the purchase of Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 2nd Edition. (6/28/05)

Forbes Selects Wrightslaw as a "Best of the Web" site. At Wrightslaw, "you'll find clear, helpful information about what your child is entitled to from the education system. The state-by-state Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities doesn't merely list experts and organizations; it walks you through different approaches to finding them and allows you to choose one you can feel comfortable with." (4/15/05)

Helping Schools Do What’s Best for Special Ed Kids - Education World interviews Pete Wright about mistakes schools make and how schools can improve special education. "Peter Wright struggled in his first years of school until his learning disabilities were identified and intensive remediation helped him learn to read and write. Now an attorney, Wright is helping parents and educators understand special education law." (3/31/05)

Surviving Due Process Wins Award of Excellence. Surviving Due Process: Stephen Jeffers v. School Board won an an 'Award of Excellence' from the Aegis Awards. The film was directed and filmed by V.A.V.S. Video Productions, a team of specialists in producing educational video programs. (1/9/05)

Wrightslaw special education law and advocacy programs in 2005.
Schedule of upcoming Wrightslaw programs.

2004

Surviving Due Process: Stephen Jeffers v. School Board. The Surviving Due Process DVD takes you through a special education due process hearing from initial preparations to testimony by the last witness. Learn how attorneys prepare for due process hearings, direct and cross-examination, objections by counsel, and rulings by the hearing officer. This DVD is based on an actual case. (9/14/04)

Special ed forum slated, by Theresa Winslow Staff Writer for The Capital, an Annapolis based newspaper. Special Education Law for Parents and Professionals: Understanding the Issues and Processes is the theme of the workshop. Pete Wright states, " So many individuals feel they can't read the law and understand it. We provide hands-on experience." (The Capital, 4/22/04)

Pete and Pam Wright traveled to Alaska in April presenting at two Alaskian Boot Camps. Organizers state, " We held two Wrightslaw, IDEA trainings, one in Juneau and one in Anchorage. We were privileged to host the conference for more than 350 participants. It was exciting to see all of the stakeholders come together to learn and appreciate the same information which focused on our best resources, the children." (Sponsored by the Governor's Council on Disabilities & Special Education, 4/04)

Meeting's Aim: Make adults advocates of kids with disabilities makes headline for The Detroit News. The Wright's crisscross the country leading conferences that help parents, educators, health care workers and lawyers learn how to advocate for children with disabilities within the educational system. (The Detroit News, 2/27/2004)

Wrightslaw training programs held in 2004.

February 11, 2004. Harbor House Law Press, Inc. offers $10.00 off on From Emotions to Advocacy book. Details

2003

Local Parents Learn About New Law. North Hampton, NH, Residents and parents gathered at the Town Hall on Thursday to learn how to prepare for the enacting of the No Child Left Behind Act from NCLB expert, Sue Heath.

December 17, 2003. Harbor House published a new issue of The Beacon on December 17. This issue includes articles about educational standards, reading, research, reading assessments, and an excerpt from Wrightslaw: No Child Left Behind, the new book from Harbor House Law Press. Details

December 3, 2003. On December 2, Harbor House Law Press shipped out pre-publication orders of our new book, Wrightslaw: No Child Left Behind. If you placed an order for the new book between November 4 and today, you should receive your book or books within a few days. Details

November 4, 2003. Harbor House Law Press advises that Wrightslaw: No Child Left Behind is at the printer. Bluelines have been approved and will receive shipment of the book in the first week of December. Between Tuesday, November 4 and Tuesday, November 18, you can order Wrightslaw: No Child Left Behind for $29.95 and receive the Wrightslaw Special Education Law CD-ROM FREE. (Value: $14.95) Details

July 23, 2003. Harbor House Law Press is offering FREE SHIPPING on all books - you save at least 4.95 per order. Details

June 26, 2003. "Championing Children for Whom Reading and Learning Are Difficult" by Brent Staples. Details

May 28 2003. Wrightslaw: Spring into Summer Sale Great savings & FREE shipping from May 28, 2003 through June 20, 2003! Details

2002

December 2, 2002. Get free shipping when you purchase any Wrightslaw book - save $4.95! Save more $ on our Combo Packs. Details

November 4, 2002. Please join Pete and Pam Wright on the From Emotions to Advocacy Cruise II January 15-19, 2003 - A Very Special Cruise Seminar and Fund-Raiser for Special Education. Details

August 8, 2002. Free Shipping on All Books- Save $4.95 Between July 30 to August 15, 2002, Harbor House Law Press is offering FREE SHIPPING on all Wrightslaw books! Details

July 17, 2002. Wrightslaw: Special Education Law Goes Into 8th Printing - More Than 25,000 in Print. Details

July 2, 2002. In a hard-hitting article about parents of adult disabled children, reporter Kelly Greene recommends Wrightslaw for "Advocacy resources for parents of children with disabilities." Details

May 29, 2002. From Emotions to Advocacy is Superb. Reviewers give FETA high marks. Details

February 22, 2002. Pete & Pam Wright Embark on 10 City Book Tour. The Wrights hit the road to promote their new book, Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy. Details

January 23, 2002. From Emotions to Advocacy Cruise and Seminar. To launch their new book, Pete and Pam Wright invited parents, advocates and attorneys to join them on the From Emotions to Advocacy Cruise. Details

Jan 5, 2002. In How Shannon Carter Changed Special Education, Mr. Staples wrote, "The people of Florence, S.C., know Shannon Carter as the owner of Shannon's Clip 'N Snip, a barber shop where the locals get haircuts and conversation . . . Shannon's public school teachers are no doubt surprised to see her running a business and working out a financial plan." Details

2001

October 5, 2001. Special Pre-Publication Offer on Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy by Pete and Pam Wright. Publication date: May 2002. Details

August 15, 2001. More Than 15,000 Special Ed Law Books in Print! Two years after Harbor House published Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, this best-selling law book is still flying off the shelves. Details.

August 8, 2001. Harbor House publishes first issue of The Beacon: Journal of Special Education Law and Practice.

July 4, 2001. Harbor House Gives Scholarships, Issues Challenge - "Send a Child to Computer Camp." Details

June 21, 2001. Sue Your State! Harbor House To Host Special Education Summit in Hampton, Virginia on September 14-15, 2001. Details

2000

June 1, 2000. Now Shipping - Deluxe Edition of Wrightslaw: Special Education Law with Companion CD-ROM. Details

May 22, 2000. Traci Wright, Debra Pratt Join Harbor House Law Press. Details

May 18, 2000. "Buy a Book, Get a Free CD-ROM" promotion for Wrightslaw: Special Education Law. Details

April 1, 2000. Attorney activist Pete Wright to speak at National Autism Rally in Washington, D.C. Details

February 14, 2000. Harbor House to Exhibit at COPAA Conference in Houston. Details

January 25, 2000. States Ignore Special Ed Law, Feds Take No Action. Full text of Press Release from National Council on Disability. Details

January 18, 2000. "Buy 1, get 2 Free" promotion for Wrightslaw: Special Education Law. Details

January 4, 2000. Harbor House Law Press Publishes First E-book. Details.

January 4, 2000. Pete Wright, Author of Best-Selling Law Book, to Speak in Columbia, SC. Details


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