Disability and Special Education

Focus Questions

1. What does it mean to have a disability or handicap?

Focus Questions 1. What does it mean to have a disability or handicap? 2. What are the fundamental tenets of special education?

Focus Questions 1. What does it mean to have a disability or handicap? 2. What are the fundamental tenets of special education? 3. Why did the federal government and the public call for national intervention?

Focus Questions 1. What does it mean to have a disability or handicap? 2. What are the fundamental tenets of special education? 3. Why did the federal government and the public call for national intervention? 4. What are some defining features of special education?

Historical Context Modern special education emerged from four broad areas

Historical Context Modern special education emerged from four broad areas  The study of human development and learning (biology, psychology, education, and sociology)

Historical Context Modern special education emerged from four broad areas  The study of human development and learning (biology, psychology, education, and sociology)  The influence of parents and self advocates

Historical Context Modern special education emerged from four broad areas  The study of human development and learning (biology, psychology, education, and sociology)  The influence of parents and self advocates  The influence of professional organizations (1990s CEC)

Historical Context Modern special education emerged from four broad areas  The study of human development and learning (biology, psychology, education, and sociology)  The influence of parents and self advocates  The influence of professional organizations (1990s CEC)  Legislation and litigation

Historical Context Major changes came about at the close of the civil rights movement in the late 60s and early 70s

Historical Context Major changes came about at the close of the civil rights movement in the late 60s and early 70s  which led eventually to closing state institutions (Willowbrook)Willowbrook

Historical Context Major changes came about at the close of the civil rights movement in the late 60s and early 70s  which led eventually to closing state institutions (Willowbrook)Willowbrook  1975 law required public schools to serve the population.

Language and Sensitivity Two basic rules:  Put people first  Do not make the person equal the disability

Perspectives on Disability How we define disability guides our approach to teaching

Perspectives on Disability How we define disability guides our approach to teaching 1. Deficit perspective Line everyone up based on some trait, exceptional means “deviating widely from a norm” Low end of the distribution might be disabled

Perspectives on Disability How we define disability guides our approach to teaching 1. Deficit perspective Line everyone up based on some trait, exceptional means “deviating widely from a norm” Low end of the distribution might be disabled 2. Sociological perspective Disability is socially derived

Defining Special Education The US Department of Education holds, special education is,

Defining Special Education The US Department of Education holds, special education is, “Specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parent, to meet the unique need of a child with a disability, including instruction conducted in the classroom, in the home, in hospitals and institutions, and in other settings…” (IDEA, 2004).

IDEA 2004 The federal established a set of categories IDEA 2004, Part B. Page of the Federal Register (page 218 of the PDF) details who is eligible for special education services (See (a), (b), and (c).

IDEA 2004 The federal established a set of categories IDEA 2004, Part B. Page of the Federal Register (page 218 of the PDF) details who is eligible for special education services (See (a), (b), and (c). Assignment:  Prepare a cheat sheet of the categories.  1-2 sentences describing each disability category.  Put your names at the top, and hand in when complete.

Federal Disability Categories (IDEA 300.8) 1. Developmental delay 2. Autism 3. Deaf-blindness 4. Deafness 5. Emotional disturbance 6. Hearing impairment 7. Mental retardation 8. Multiple-disabilities 9. Orthopedic impairment 10. Other health impairment 11. Specific learning disability 12. Speech or language 13. Traumatic brain injury 14. Visual impairment

Special Education Students by Age (CA 2006)

(6) Defining Features of Special Education

1. Free appropriate public education (FAPE)

(6) Defining Features of Special Education 1. Free appropriate public education (FAPE) 2. Due Process

(6) Defining Features of Special Education 1. Free appropriate public education (FAPE) 2. Due Process 3. Individualized education program (IEP)

(6) Defining Features of Special Education 1. Free appropriate public education (FAPE) 2. Due Process 3. Individualized education program (IEP) 4. Least restrictive environment (LRE)

(6) Defining Features of Special Education 1. Free appropriate public education (FAPE) 2. Due Process 3. Individualized education program (IEP) 4. Least restrictive environment (LRE) 5. Testing

(6) Defining Features of Special Education 1. Free appropriate public education (FAPE) 2. Due Process 3. Individualized education program (IEP) 4. Least restrictive environment (LRE) 5. Testing 6. Related services