This experience provided Rick with a “living laboratory ” in which he developed and refined his methods and philosophies related to the education of adolescents with special needs.

Mr. Lavoie has lectured at numerous universities including Syracuse, Harvard, Gallaudet, Manhattenville College, University of Alabama, and Georgetown. His numerous television appearances include CBS Morning Show, Good Morning America, ABC Evening News, Disney Channel Presents, and PBS’s Misunderstood Minds.

Rick has served as a consultant on learning disabilities to several agencies and organizations including Public Broadcasting Service, New York Times, National Center for Learning Disabilities, Girl Scouts of America, Child Magazine, and WETA. He is a past member of the Professional Advisory Board of the Learning Disabilities Association. Rick’s message has been delivered to over 500,000 parents and professionals throughout North America.

He has the distinction of having delivered Keynote addresses for all three of the major special needs advocacy organizations in the United States (Learning Disabilities Association, Council for Exceptional Children, Children With Attention Deficit Disorder). Rick is probably best known for his videos, “How Difficult Can This Be? The F.A.T. City Workshop”, “Last One Picked, First One Picked On: The Social Implications of Learning Disabilities,” and “When the Chips are Down: Behavior Management Strategies for Children With Learning Disabilities”.

These award winning videos have brought Rick’s sensitive and compelling messages to countless thousands throughout the world.

Rick lives on Cape Cod with his wife and daughter.