Michael L. Hardman is Professor and Chair of the Department of Special Education and the Department of Teaching and Learning at the University of Utah. He also serves as the University Coordinator for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Center for Community of Caring. In 2004-2005, Dr. Hardman was appointed the Matthew J. Guglielmo Endowed Chair at California State University, Los Angeles, and the Governor's Representative to the California Advisory Commission on Special Education. Additionally, Dr. Hardman is Senior Education Advisor to the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation in Washington, D.C., and a member of the Board of Directors for the Council for Exceptional Children.Dr. Hardman has… numerous publications in national journals throughout the field of education and has authored several college textbooks of which two, Human Exceptionality and Lifespan Perspectives on Intellectual Disabilities are now in ninth editions respectively. As a researcher, he has directed international and national demonstration projects in the areas of educational policy and reform, developmental disabilities, professional development, inclusive education, transition from school to adult life, and preparing tomorrow's leaders in special education.