https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4601-6405
- Background
- Definition
- Importance
- Pillars of SE
- Laws & Legislation
- Recommendations
Background
Special education (SE) has evolved over time from exclusion to inclusion, ensuring that children with disabilities receive quality education tailored to their needs. Historically, individuals with disabilities were often marginalized or denied education. However, with growing awareness, advocacy, and legislative reforms, special education has become a structured and integral part of educational systems worldwide. Landmark legislations, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), have been instrumental in establishing the rights of students with disabilities to receive a free and appropriate public education.
Definition
Special education refers to a customized instructional approach designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. It involves specialized teaching methods, assistive technology, and individualized educational programs (IEPs) to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to learn and succeed.
Importance
It provides equal access to education or learning opportunities, tailors teaching methods to suit the learning styles and abilities of each student (Personalized instruction), helps students develop essential life skills for self-sufficiency (Empowerment & Independence), and promotes integration & acceptance in society by fostering inclusivity (Social Inclusion)
Pillars of Special Education
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are customized plans developed collaboratively to set personalized goals and outline the services required to meet the unique needs of each student. Personalized plans are designed to meet each student’s specific learning needs. Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) guarantees that students with disabilities receive education at no cost, tailored to their individual needs, and designed to provide educational benefits. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) encourages the education of students with disabilities alongside their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate, promoting inclusion and equal participation with the least or no barriers.
Appropriate evaluation involves conducting comprehensive assessments to identify students' educational needs and determine eligibility for special education services. Qualified special educators are trained professionals equipped with skills to address diverse learning challenges. Assistive technology is tools and resources that enhance learning for students with disabilities, like hearing aids, text-to-speech tools, etc.
Laws & Legislation
Governments worldwide have enacted laws to protect the rights of students with disabilities, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a U.S. federal law that mandates free and appropriate public education for eligible children with disabilities and outlines specific rights and protections. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs receiving federal financial assistance, ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to education. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) extends civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities, including access to educational facilities and services. UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) advocates for inclusive education on a global scale. Pakistan's Disability Act aims to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities, including their right to education.
- 1975— The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) became law. It was renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1990.
- 1990— IDEA first came into being on October 30, 1990, when the "Education of All Handicapped Children Act" (itself having been introduced in 1975) was renamed "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act." (Pub. L. No. 101-476, 104 Stat. 1142). IDEA received minor amendments in October 1991 (Pub. L. No. 102-119, 105 Stat. 587).
- 1997— IDEA received significant amendments. The definition of disabled children expanded to include developmentally delayed children between three and nine years of age. It also required parents to attempt to resolve disputes with schools and Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) through mediation, and provided a process for doing so. The amendments authorized additional grants for technology, disabled infants and toddlers, parent training, and professional development. (Pub. L. No. 105-17, 111 Stat. 37).
- 2004— IDEA was amended by the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, now known as IDEIA. Several provisions aligned IDEA with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, signed by President George W. Bush. It authorized fifteen states to implement 3-year IEPs on a trial basis when parents continually agree. Drawing on the report of the President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education, the law revised the requirements for evaluating children with learning disabilities. More concrete provisions relating to the discipline of special education students were also added. (Pub. L. No. 108-446, 118 Stat. 2647).
- 2008— Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act was signed into law in September.
- 2009— Following a campaign promise for "funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act", President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), including $12.2 billion in additional funds.
- 2009— Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act became effective on January 1, 2009
Recommendations
The field of Special Education should educate communities on the importance of inclusive education, provide specialized training to equip educators with effective strategies, ensure schools have the necessary infrastructure and resources for special education, and it should encourage partnerships between educators, parents, and policymakers to enhance educational outcomes.
Special education is not just about teaching; it is about creating an inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. By embracing diversity in education, we pave the way for a more equitable and empowered future.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Individuals_with_Disabilities_Education_Act
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/six-pillars-special-education-michael-angelotti/
https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/three-important-laws-support-individuals-disabilities
