special needs

Special education (also known as special ed, SPED or defectology) refers euphemistically to the teaching of students with academic, behaviorial, or health/physical needs that cannot be met in the general education program. This article will focus mainly on the teaching of students with disabilities; see Gifted education for more information on that subject.

United States - Special education programs in the United States were made mandatory in 1975 when Congress passed the Education of the Handicapped Act (EHA) in response to discriminatory treatment by public educational agencies against students with disabilities. The EHA was later modified to strengthen protections to disabled pupils and renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IDEA is found in Title 20 of the United States Code, starting at section 1400.The two most basic rights ensured by the IDEA is that every disabled student is entitled to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). To ensure a FAPE, a team of professionals and parents meet to determine the student's unique educational needs, develop annual goals for the student, and determine the placement, program modification, testing accomomdations, counseling, and other special services that the student needs through the development of an individualized educational program (IEP). The educational agency is required to develop and implement an IEP that meets the standards of federal and state educational agencies.The LRE mandate requires that all students' educations be with their nondisabled peers to the greatest extent possible, while still providing a FAPE. The LRE requirement is intended to prevent unnecessary segregation of the disabled, and is based on Congress' finding that over twenty years of research and experience demonstrates that education of disabled students is more effective by having high expectations of such children and ensuring their access to the general curriculum to the maximum extent possible.Some special education services (such as speech therapyspeech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, etc) may be provided within the mainstream class (i.e. inclusion) or in a separate classroom if this is decided to be the LRE. Students receive individualized services to meet their goals, and these services are outlined in each child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Students in Special Education will also need a transition plan, focussing on their life after school, starting at age 12. The transition plan focuses on the learner's goals for the future, addressing living and employment.

History - Naturally, many students' challenges have historically driven their placement in classes which are specific to a particular disability. However, the goal is for all students to be placed in a learning environment that is the least restrictive for each individual learner. In the past 10 years, that has come to mean inclusive environments: all students learning together with each individual's specific learning needs being met within a typical classroom environment. The fact that this has often been less than successful may have more to do with the resources allocated to such programs, and the inability of an entrenched model of education to change to accommodate such an educational process, than with the efficacy of such a model itself.

Criticism - While terms such as "normal" and "typical" can be debated endlessly, there is research that shows that students with the most significant disabilities benefit academically and socially in a classroom and a curriculum that is adapted and modified to help them be successful in inclusive classes. Some students' needs and/or educational content may require (or benefit from) implementation via smaller "special class" settings.

United Kingdom - In schools in the United Kingdom, special education is referred to as SEN (Special Educational Needs.) Each school is required to have a Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator, or SENCO, whose responsibility it is to ensure all pupils in the school with SEN receive the appropriate support to facilitate their successful education.According to Teachernet, a UK government website set up to aid teaching staff, The current SEN Code of Practice came into force at the beginning of January 2002, replacing the original version dating to 1994.To qualify as having SEN, a student must be assessed by a professional, usually an Educational Psychologist, Doctor or Psychiatrist. If a disability or difficulty is identified which it is considered, presents a significant challenge to what is considered normal learning patterns, and education, a recommendation or application can be made for the issue of a Statement of Educational Need, which entitles the student to the appropriate learning support.Disabilities that may merit the issue of a statement include, Physical disbility, e.g. the lack of functioning or loss of limbs or movement, Motor or fine motor disability, Learning difficulties or disabilities, developmental disorders, mental illness or incapacity, or behavioural difficulties.With the correct support, many students with SEN have the potential to develop into productive, successful and fully integrated members of society, as has been proved the case on numerous occasions.

External links -

cec.sped.org - Council for Exceptional Children

ed.gov - U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

helpforschools.com - Special Education and Medicaid KnowledgeBaseCategory:Special education!*de:Sonderpädagogikes:Educaci ón? especialhe:חינוך !מיוחדja:特別支援教� �ms:Pendidikan? khaszh:特殊教育 DEBUG REDIRECT (special education)

Los Angeles School of Gymnastics
Programs available for 18 months-adult in gymnastics, adult classes, rhythmic gymnastics, cheer, ballet, tumbling, special needs, birthday parties, private lessons, movie rentals and talent, consulting.
http://www.lagymnastics.com/

Cherry Lane United Methodist Church
A United Methodist Church established at the corner of Cherry Lane Road and Cherry Lane Church Road since 1866. Serving Tannersville, PA.
http://www.cherrylanechurch.org/

www.teachingtimes.com
The UK's leading provider of educational and professional development content for teachers on the Web
http://www.teachingtimes.com/

Kelowna Community Food Bank
The Kelowna Community Food Bank Society is dedicated to helping local individuals and families who are in temporary financial difficulty and are in need of food.
http://www.kelownafoodbank.com/

Project TEAMS
Working directly in middle and high school special education classrooms, Project TEAMS trainers coach students in -- Transition, Employment, Advocacy, Mentoring, Self-Determination -- using the TAKE CHARGE for the FUTURE curriculum that highlights self-determination in planning for the future. The students develop skills such as self-advocacy, problem solving, dreaming about the future, setting short and long term goals, asking for support, and most importantly, believing in themselves as they prepare to TAKE CHARGE of their future. The purpose of the Project TEAMS website is to provide students, parents and educators with a central location for resources addressing Transition, Employment, Advocacy, Mentoring, and Self-Determination.
http://www.projectteams.org/

Stress Management Workshops
Practical, comprehensive programs for learning how to manage day-to-day stress.
http://www.stress-solutions.com/

A-1 Signing Services, Inc.
The Nationally Recognized Mobile Closing and Title of choice for Mortgage Lenders, Mortgage Brokers, Banks, Credit Unions and Title Companies. Serving the Entire United States and Puerto Rico 24/7, No Other company provides the services we offer!!!
http://www.mortgageclosers.net/

www.bisga.org
Free information related to brain injury and starting or strengthening a peer-to-peer support group. Free tools and assistance world wide!
http://www.pabia.org/

do2learn
Do2learn provides free printable activities, picture communictaion cards, games, songs and more educational resources for teachers and families in the special needs community.
http://www.do2learn.com/

The Jenny Rose Center
Hyperbaric oxygen medical center including conductive education therapy and wound care.
http://www.thejennyrosecenter.com/

HarvestWorks, Inc.
HarvestWorks is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to enrich and enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities.
http://www.harvestworksinc.org/

The Center for Special Needs Planning
The Center for Special Needs Planning is a team of attorneys who specialize in addressing all of the legal needs of families that have a loved one with a disability. As experienced and knowledgeable special needs attorneys, our goal is to help you plan for the future and security of your special loved one with a disability. Have you ever wondered who will take care of and provide for your child with special needs after you are gone? How do you pass an inheritance on to your special needs loved one (when he or she cannot have more than $2,000.00) without effecting their governmental benefits? If you have a loved one with a disability — and rely upon a will to cover their future care — your loved one's inheritance can be taken away by the government. To ensure that governmental benefits (such as Medicaid or SSI) are never altered, diminished or destroyed, it is imperative that you establish Special Needs Planning — including a special needs trust — through the experienced lawyers of The Center for Special Needs Planning. We believe that Special Needs Planning is so important we commonly refer to it as a Miracle on Paper.
http://www.thecenterforspecialneedsplanning.com/

Transitions Family Violence Services
Transitions Family Violence Services is the sole provider of comprehensive family violence services in Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, and a co-provider of services for York County. Transitions Family Violence Services is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization formed in 1977. It is funded by the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula, grants from many sources and community contributions. Clients receive all services at no charge, although transitional housing clients pay rent according to their income. The mission of Transitions Family Violence Services is to build safe and healthy families on the Virginia Peninsula. The agency assists adult and child victims through the provision of shelter, counseling and advocacy services. We work to increase awareness of domestic violence and provide opportunities for community members to participate in our mission.
http://www.transitionsfvs.org/

3DLearn Interactive Academy
Ground-breaking 3D virtual reality school for grades 7-12. Take classes in 3D, create your own 3D virtual reality learning worlds as part of the learning process and earn your high school diploma. Accredited full-time private school.
http://www.3dlearn.com/

Family Friendly Fun and Family Life Resources
A dynamic information source for topics that enhance the quality and enjoyment of family life.
http://www.family-friendly-fun.com/

Canada's SchoolNet
Canadian resources for schools, students and educators.
http://www.schoolnet.ca/

Federation for Children with Special Needs
Resources for parents who care for children with special needs, including links to a nationwide directory of Parent Centers on Disability.
http://www.fcsn.org/

About Parenting Special Needs
The starting place for exploring parenting special needs, from About.com.
http://specialchildren.about.com/