Through real-life stories about children, their families, and their teachers, and through the use of the most recent evidence-based research on special education, this important book provides a comprehensive introduction to special education and its relationship to general education. The seventh edition provides this experience within the framework of three guiding themes: Inclusion, Partnerships, and Universal Design for Progress.

Long noted for its focus on progress in general education through inclusion, families, and parent-professional partnerships, the new seventh edition of Exceptional Lives: Special Education in Today's Schools, now includes a "Universal Design for Progress" feature in every chapter which highlights a technology that can be used to meet the needs of students with disabilities.  This text stands out from the crowd with its strong belief in the capacity of special educators, general educators, related service professionals, and families to collaborate with one another for inclusion, and that inclusion is not only possible but desirable.