The self-instructional format of the course allows correctional officers to study during their free time and work at their own pace. The course recognizes that the effective management of special needs offenders requires correctional officers to be aware of the most common types of inmate disabilities. Topics covered in the course include what to expect, how to monitor special needs offenders, when to call for help, and why special requirements may be imposed on correctional officers in managing such inmates. The first book of the course covers special needs offenders, legal rights of special needs inmates, and inmate lawsuits. The specific focus is on definitions applied to inmates with various kinds of disabilities, inmate management principles, the protection of legal rights within the framework of responsible correctional management, principles of daily inmate management, and types of civil lawsuits that may be filed by special needs offenders.