Background and Mission Statement

The Klebanoff Institute was created in the Fall of 1997, to provide a vehicle at the University of Connecticut for training, service and research relating to ethics, law and policy in special education and disability services. An interdisciplinary unit that works with many academic departments and centers through the university the Institute is named in honor of Howard M. Klebanoff, who is widely known as one of Connecticut's most distinguished attorneys specializing in special education law. Himself the parent of children with disabilities, Mr. Klebanoff served for several years as a prominent legislator who helped to write many landmark laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities and their families.

The mission of the Klebanoff Institute is to improve the quality of educational and other services to children and adults with disabilities and their families by conducting research, disseminating information and conducting training activities aimed at overcoming legal, ethical and systemic impediments to such services. In seeking to promote the rights of people with disabilities, the Klebanoff Institute will stress whenever appropriate, the obligation to seek solutions which are harmonious, fair and in the interest of both individuals with disabilities and all members of society.

Future Activities

Conferences on Future Directions in Special Education —

Conferences will be held annually in the Hartford area. This will bring together administrators, policy makers, service providers and consumers to address critical issues facing those who provide services to persons with disabilities. Initially focus will be on the important aspects of education inclusion, with emphasis on how to bring rhetoric in line with the complexities of real cases. Please refer to the Events Tab for more information on 2007's Conference scheduled for Wednesday, May 9th.

Klebanoff Lecture on Disability Law and Policy —
This lecture will be held on the Storrs campus and is a scholarly address by a distinguished figure (from one of many disciplines) in the field of disability studies. It will be promoted widely within the University community.

Workshops on Legal and Ethical Issues —
Workshops will be held periodically to discuss compliance with legal and ethical guidelines while meeting the needs of children and adults with disabilities. Workshops will be aimed at targeted groups, including school administrators (principals and superintendents), special education and disability professionals, attorneys, and others at both the professional and pre-professional levels.

Research Projects and Publications —
These projects and publications will be conducted by Institute staff on a variety of important policy or legal issues in the disability field. A major focus of these studies will be the development of clearer ethical and legal guidelines for agencies, practitioners and professionals working in the fields of special education and disabilities services. The reports will be disseminated widely through a Klebanoff Institute Newsletter as well as in other publications.

Consultations —
Consultations will be offered regarding ethical, legal or policy matters. Agencies and individuals can contract with the Klebanoff Institute for assistance in assessing current policies and developing new directions. Ethical audits, policy analyses and program evaluations are among the types of consultations available.