Disability and Education: Ensuring Equal Access and Opportunities

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that ensures students with disabilities have access to free and appropriate public education (FAPE) that meets their unique needs.

An IEP is a written document that outlines the student's present levels of performance, annual goals, special education and related services, and accommodations and supports needed to access the general education curriculum.

Reasonable accommodations are modifications or adjustments to the learning environment or curriculum that allow a student with a disability to access and participate in the general education curriculum.

The LRE is the placement that allows a student with a disability to participate in the general education curriculum to the maximum extent possible, with appropriate supports and accommodations.

UDL is a framework for creating learning environments and materials that are accessible to all learners, regardless of their abilities, disabilities, or learning styles.

A transition plan is a written document that outlines the student's goals, services, and supports needed to prepare for post-secondary education, employment, and independent living.

Assistive technology devices are tools and equipment that help students with disabilities access, participate in, and progress in the general education curriculum.

Special education teachers play a vital role in supporting students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms by providing direct instruction, collaborating with general education teachers, and providing professional development.

PBIS is a framework for creating a positive school climate and reducing problem behaviors by teaching students appropriate behaviors, providing clear expectations and consequences, and using data to monitor progress.

An FBA is a process for gathering information about a student's challenging behavior in order to identify the function of the behavior and develop effective interventions.

Culturally responsive teaching is a framework for creating learning environments that are responsive to the cultural backgrounds, experiences, and learning styles of all students.

Parents and families play a vital role in the education of students with disabilities by advocating for their child's needs, participating in IEP team meetings, and providing support and encouragement at home.

Transition services are a range of services that help students with disabilities prepare for and transition to post-secondary education, employment, and independent living.

An assistive technology assessment is a process for determining a student's need for assistive technology devices and services, recommending specific devices and services, and training the student and their team on how to use them.

Evidence-based practices in special education are interventions and strategies that have been shown to be effective in improving the outcomes of students with disabilities.