Special education is an essential topic for many, with many nuances and variables to consider in all situations. You can learn about the importance of early intervention and treatment for children with special needs and how you can get involved with programs that help individuals of all ages.
Special education isn’t for young students but can benefit those who need alternative learning methods. Though we focus more on children with disability and, at times, cognitive impairment, our reach extends to all kinds of special kids who face problems in handling their studies or their day-to-day life on campus or outside. A simple thing like proper education can change their lives and enable them to meet a better tomorrow. That is where the step-up comes in aid.
What is the importance of special education?
Special education is important because it helps students who have special needs get the education they need to succeed in their lives. This includes learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, speech disorders, and other health-related issues that make it difficult for students to learn.
Students with special needs often need special attention to succeed in school. One designs Special education programs to provide this extra support. The goal of special education is to help students reach their full potential. That means providing them with an appropriate curriculum and teaching methods to learn just like their peers. Special education is important because it gives children with disabilities the opportunity to learn and grow in the best way for them.
What is the history of special education?
Special education’s precise characteristics have changed throughout time, with roots that date back to 1954. According to the court decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, segregation violates the right to an equal education. While this judgement focused on racial segregation’s injustice, it also created a widespread consensus that everyone should have equal access to quality public education.
Rights and funding for special schooling significantly improved over the following years:
- The Elementary and Secondary Education Act Amendment of 1966 made federal funding for kids with disabilities in the public education system available.
- In 1973, the Rehabilitation Act clarified that no federal funding programme could deny services to people with disabilities.
- 1975 sees the passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. Today, this is the IDEA legislation.
- 1982: The Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Board of Education decision stated that students eligible for special education programmes must receive individualised instruction to meet their unique needs.
- 1997 marked the amendment of IDEA to guarantee that practical and measurable programmes are accessible to students with special needs. Additionally, it increased parents’ participation in creating their child’s personalized education plan (IEP).
UAE’s take on Special Education
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2004 required statewide examinations and highly qualified, specialized teachers to instruct students with disabilities, raising the caliber of state special education programmes. The Every Student Succeeds Act took place in 2015 and made many of the controversial provisions of this law obsolete, remedying many of them.
For people who are dedicated, the UAE government significantly encourages educational opportunities. The UAE ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Optional Protocol in November 2006.
The first law in the UAE to protect the rights of people with autonomy is Federal Law No. 29 of 2006.
According to Article 12 of the law, all citizens, including those with special needs, are guaranteed equal opportunities in education. Be it in regular classes or special classes at institutions for adult education, continuing education, or vocational training, with curriculum available in sign language, Braille, or any other appropriate method.
The Ministry of Education’s (MoE) strategy is to modify public schools so those dedicated to learning can do so. As a result, anyone with the will to succeed is allowed to enrol in any institution.
The Department of Special Education, which the MoE established in 2008, provides services for these kids. In addition to ensuring they have access to the same educational opportunities as students in the regular education system, this Department works to advance the rights of ambitious individuals.
The “National Policy for Empowering People of Determination” has education as one of its cornerstones. The government will offer an integrated public and vocational education system and modify school curricula to meet their demands. Additionally, it will supply instructional materials, specialists, specialists, and relevant supported technologies.
Who receives special education services?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) specifies that all children with disabilities ages 3-21 should receive a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. IDEA also defines the requirements for special education services.
- These include Instructional support services to address specific needs of students with disabilities, including speech-language pathology and audiology services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological services, orientation and mobility services, nursing services when related to students’ health needs, counselling services related to mental health needs of students with disabilities;
- Evaluation procedures for determining eligibility for special education and related services;
- An assessment of the student’s educational needs;
- Individualized written goals and objectives for each student with a disability;
- The provision of special education and related services to meet those needs, including instruction by appropriately certified teachers or paraprofessionals trained in the unique needs of children. Especially the ones who are deaf or hard-of-hearing; instruction by teachers who are knowledgeable about the use of Braille and other methods used by blind individuals; training in the use of augmentative communication systems by persons.
How does special education differ from general education?
Special education differs from general education as it meets the needs of children with special needs. A child with special needs may have difficulties with certain aspects of learning, such as reading, writing, mathematics, or social skills. Special education provides specialized instruction to help these children overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
In general education, the schools offer students the same curriculum and instruction as their peers. Their teachers do not know what specific challenges students may face throughout their academic careers. In special education, students receive individual instruction based on their particular needs. These classes are often smaller than general education classes, so teachers can provide more one-on-one time with each student.
Conclusion
Special education must be meaningful, practical, productive, and effective for students with disabilities, and it will also benefit all children. Special education should also minimise unnecessary segregation of students with disabilities from their peers in mainstream school by providing additional support for them within the mainstream school. This step towards inclusive education must be encouraged and made widespread.
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