For many people, the first time they learn about special education is when their child has been diagnosed with a learning disability and needs to attend one of these schools. However, there are so many different types of disabilities that require specialized care that most adults have never even heard of before.
For example, some children need help with physical therapy or occupational therapy in order to be able to function as well as other kids. Other kids might need speech and language therapy because they haven’t learned how to speak properly yet. And then there are those who can’t see or hear very well and need extra attention in order for them to succeed at school. The point is that every single person deserves an equal opportunity at getting a good education – which includes having access to special education.
Special education is important for everyone. According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), all children with disabilities between 3 and 21 years old have a certain right to receive special education services based on their individual needs.
What is Special Education?
There are many different types of disabilities that can be categorized as “special” – even some disorders are considered special education. For example, kids with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often suffer from stereotypical behavior and sometimes have problems paying attention in class. Kids with Asperger’s Syndrome might not be able to empathize very well and have trouble making friends. And kids with Autism often don’t understand how to behave in social situations and might show unusual behavior such as lining up toys over and over again or fixating on one particular object.
All of these behaviors can be categorized under the learning disabilities label because they affect a student’s academic performance in some way. But, there are also other disabilities that aren’t related to learning, such as physical and mental disabilities.
For example, some children might be born with a physical disability like Cerebral Palsy or Muscular Dystrophy. Other kids might suffer from a more specific condition like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) which causes them to engage in repetitive rituals like flicking light switches on and off for hours. These kids need special education services because they can’t learn like other students in a regular classroom environment.
Types of Special Education
There are three different types of special education programs: specific learning disabilities, speech/language impairment, and emotional disturbance.
Specific Learning Disabilities – includes ADHD, Dyslexia, and Dyscalculia
Speech/Language Impairment – includes articulation and fluency disorders
Emotional Disturbance – includes Autism Spectrum Disorders and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
A student can be classified as having one of these types of disabilities if they consistently have a hard time learning new material or completing daily school tasks as well as other students their age. In order for a child to qualify for special education, they must have been struggling in school for at least six months or more, which means that the problems can’t be due to simple immaturity or lack of effort.
Special education services and programs vary depending on the disabilities and needs of each individual student. Every child with special needs is taught using an IEP- Individualized Education Plan, which outlines what services they will receive and how they can best learn new material.
The purpose of this blog was to explain the importance of special education for children with disabilities in detail. Each type of disability that can be considered special education was briefly explained and examples were given. I hope that anyone who reads this blog will understand the reason why special education is important and how it helps these children succeed in school.
Importance of Special Education
Free education suitable for all: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures that all children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 have access to free public education based on their individual needs.
Equal opportunity: The Civil Rights Act states that disabled students should be given equal opportunities in school, which includes having access to special education.
Better academic performance: A study done by MetLife suggests that students who receive special education services are more likely to achieve academic success than those who do not.
socialization: IEPs can include social skills training, which helps children improve their interactions with classmates and teachers, which leads to better socialization at school.
Makes positive impact on mental health: Children with disabilities are more likely to have an anxious, lonely, or unhappy disposition. But, when they receive special education services within a regular classroom setting, it can make them feel “normal” enough to trust others and be more outgoing.
Stigma: Having the label of special needs reduces the stigma that is placed on students who do not have a disability, but are still struggling in school due to outside factors.
Benefits for teachers: Special education is beneficial for the teacher too, because it targets different learning styles and allows them to work more with each student individually. It gives teachers a chance to be creative in their lesson plans and create hands-on activities that appeal to all types of learners.
One-on-one attention: Having the ability to focus on each student individually means that teachers can give them more time and attention, which will help build a better relationship with the students and their parents.
Increased motivation: Special education services may motivate children to study harder because it gives them an opportunity to learn information in creative ways that might be interesting to them.
Children with special needs are often faced with many struggles throughout their school career, but the main one is academic performance. Special education helps these students by giving them additional assistance in the classroom and teaching them new ways to learn material that is difficult for them. Although there can also be drawbacks, such as lower self-esteem and an increased stigma attached to these students, overall it is beneficial for them and allows them the opportunity to finally succeed in school.
Special Education – A Perspective on Its Impact
Children with special education needs often face many hurdles throughout their academic career. According to IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), every child between the ages of 3 and 21 has the right to a free public education that is specially designed to meet their unique needs.
The importance of aided education:
Special education is important because it helps to ensure that disabled children have the same opportunities as their typically-developing peers. In accordance with the Civil Rights Act, each child with a disability has the right to an equal educational experience led by teachers who understand how to help them learn. This includes being able to correct misconceptions about what it means to have a disability.
Children who struggle with disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, and dyslexia often face many struggles in school. But if the district has a well-trained team of specialists that can help them learn, then they will be much more successful in their studies and go on to achieve better jobs in the future.
Equalizing opportunities:
Every child, regardless of their disability status, should be held to the same standards as their typically-developing peers. It is important that they are able to learn in a safe environment where teachers can give them extra help with concepts that are difficult for them.
Special education also aims to provide students with disabilities better opportunities for future employment. By identifying their talents and giving them the tools to succeed, they will be more likely to find a job after graduating than those who do not receive special education services and support.