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What Is Special Education?

Parents, have you ever asked yourself, "What Is Special Education?"
Or, after an IEP meeting, have you ever left the school wondering:

  • What just happened? What did I sign?
  • Is my child getting the best services?
  • Did I ask the right questions?
  • Does this plan really meet my child's needs?

    • I want you to promise yourself that you will never feel this way again! You can fully understand the IEP process and become the best advocate for your child. We know that no one cares about your child's future the way you do. So, let's get started down this road, TOGETHER.

    special education So, what is special education? It is the broad term used to describe specially designed instruction that meets the unique needs of a child who has a disability. These services are provided by your public school system and are free of charge. Services can include instruction in the classroom, at home, in hospitals and institutions. Learning disabilities cover a wide spectrum of disorders ranging from mild to severe. They can include mental, physical, behavioral and emotional disabilities.

    There are 13 categories of special education.

    Autism
     Blindness
    Deafness
    Emotional Disturbance
    Hearing Impairment
    Mental Retardation
    Multiple Disabilities

    		 Orthopedic Impairment
    Other Health Impaired
    Specific Learning Disability
    Speech or Language Impairment
    Traumatic Brain Injury
    Visual Impairment

    To QUALIFY for services, your child must have one of these disabilities and it must adversely affect their educational performance.

    WHAT IS THE GOAL of SPECIAL EDUCATION?

    Special education makes it possible for your child to achieve academic success in the least restrictive environment despite their disability. The federal law governing the system is called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA. IDEA entitles all children with learning disabilites to a free appropriate education (FAPE). Examples of "appropriate" programs include:

  • A specific program or class for your child.
  • Access to specialists.
  • Modifications in the educational program such as curriculum and teaching methods.

    There are hundreds of unfamiliar terms and acronyms in the IEP process. When you have time I encourage you to review the terms and definitions cheat sheet.

    HOW DO I GET STARTED?

    If your child is struggling in school, having social or behavioral problems, or if you suspect a specific learning disability, you can request an evaluation. Some school districts require a student study team (SST) before conducting an evaluation. If your child does not qualify for services, they may receive modifications under Section 504 of the American Disabilities Act of 1973.

    If you child attends a private school you should read our special section to understand what to expect if your child has a learning disability but attends a non-public school.

    What is an SST?

    What is a 504 Plan?

    What is Special Education testing?


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