What is Special Education?
Free education is not just a necessity, but it is a fundamental right for every child, regardless if they may need specialized instruction and support. Special education is designed to help students with disabilities navigate learning challenges and approaches to overcome these obstacles in order to thrive academically. In this article, we are going to do a deep dive into what is special education and their key aspects.
What is Special Education?
Special Education refers to the services, programs, and specially designed instructions to meet the individual needs of a student with a disability. Unlike general education where they follow a standardized curriculum, special education provides individual support, services, and accommodation. This program plays a crucial role in fostering an inclusive learning environment, accessibility, and personal growth for students who require additional assistance in order to progress in their academic journey. When it comes to students with disabilities, there is no “one size fits all” approach.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was passed as a federal law to help and protect special education and related service programming for children and youth with disabilities. This law is designed to ensure that children with disabilities will be granted free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). The IDEA law was originally known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) that was passed in 1975. In 1990, they reauthorized the EHA law and it changed to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Since then, the law has been reauthorized and amended to ensure equal access to education.
Over the years, there has been major progress and improvements to uphold free and accessible special education programs. Under this law, children with disabilities are covered from birth through high school graduation or until they are 21, whichever comes first. Schools are required to evaluate students with disabilities and if they have a qualifying disability, they’re entitled to special education and related services to meet the child’s unique needs. These needs are planned and provided through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
The Individualized Education Program, or IEP, is an individualized curated plan that lays out the specific special education instruction, goals, support, and services the child needs in order to thrive in school. IEPs are arguably one of the most important aspects of special education. Every child that is diagnosed with one of the 13 disabilities listed in the IDEA law in public schools is to be granted IEP services. These individualized plans are legally binding and curated to improve their educational results and success. The team behind creating these plans includes the students’ parents, a representative of the local education agency, the regular education teacher, the special education teacher, and any other professionals such as a Speech Language Pathologist.
For a child to be eligible for the IEP program, they will need to have one or more of the 13 disabilities listed in the IDEA. Below is the following list of disabilities:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Deaf-Blindness
- Deafness
- Emotional Disturbance
- Hearing Impairment
- Intellectual Disability
- Multiple Disabilities
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Other Health Impairment
- Specific Learning Disability
- Speech or Language Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Visual Impairment, including Blindness
Included in these plans are numerous different contents to meet the unique needs of each student that qualifies. Generally, you’ll see an IEP encompassed with the following contents:
- Current performance
- Annual goals
- Special education and related services
- Participation with nondisabled children
- Participation in the state and district wide tests
- Dates and places of services provided
- Transition service needs
- Age of majority
- Measuring process
Common Special Education School Related Services
Related services refer to supportive services or activities that are necessary for students with disabilities in order to maximize academic improvements. Any related service that will be beneficial for a student will be outlined in their IEP. These services can help students in a number of areas such as speaking, writing, or moving. With there being such a wide range of disabilities, there are many different types of related services a student may need. The related services in schools may include but are not limited to:
- Audiology
- Speech Language Pathology
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical therapy
- Psychological services
- Push In & Push Out services
- Interpreting services
- Medical services
- Rehabilitation counseling
- Social worker
- Transportation
- School nurse
Special Education Careers
Special Education careers can be a very rewarding job both professionally and personally. While working in special education, you have a direct impact on making improvements in the lives of those with disabilities and their families. There are a variety of job opportunities for those who have a degree in special education as well as those who don’t have a degree. A majority, if not all jobs within this industry specialize in helping individuals with disabilities reach a variety of educational and life-skill goals. Some of the most common and in demand jobs in special education include:
- Special Education Teacher
- Paraprofessional
- Teacher Aide
- Special Education Coordinator
- Speech Language Pathologist
- Behavior Analyst (RBT, BCaBA, BCBA)
- Early Intervention Specialist
- Occupational Therapist
- Social Worker
- Special Education Administrator
Conclusion
Special education is a vital program that ensures all children, regardless of a disability, receives support and free resources necessary for personal and academic success. From IEPs to specialized services, special education professionals play a crucial role in shaping a positive and inclusive learning environment. Whether you’re considering a special education paraprofessional job in NY or searching for a Speech Language Pathologist job in NY, there are many opportunities to work in this industry and make a lasting impact. If you’re looking for a special education job in New York, send in your application or check out our current open jobs.