Parent Resources
Special Education
Special Education
Special Education Supports through OCIC
What is Special Education?
Special Education is
Specifically designed instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilites
Can consist of
Individualized curriculum
General education curriculum with modifications or adaptations
Combination of both
Supports in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) do not necessarily cover that child's entire education. It only addresses educational needs that are a direct result of the child's disability
The purpose
To meet the unique needs of students with disabilities by addressing their specific needs through special education services.
Services are provided
In various settings such as
Classrooms
Homes
Hospitals/Institutions
Schools must ensure that a continuum of alternative placements is available to meet the nees of children with disabilities
13 Disabilities Categories that fall under Special Education
Autism
Deaf-Blindness
Developmental Delay
Emotional Disturbance
Hearing Impairment, Including Deafness
Intellectual Disability
Multiple Disabilities
Orthopedic Impairment
Other Health Impairment
Specific Learning Disability
Speech or Language Impairment
Traumatic Brain Injury
Visual Impairment, Including Blindness
Laws that mandate special education services
Section 504 of the Rehavilitation Act of 1973 is defined as ensuring individuals with disabilities shall not be excluded, denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrmination by any federal agency receiving federal financial assistance
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is defined as ensuring individuals with disabilites must be provided a free and appropriate education (IEPs).
What is the Process for Having My Child Considered for Special Education?
Request
A request from any agency or parent can be made; however, schools are not required to conduct the evaluation. The request should be thoroughly investigated, though, especially if the child is not making adequate progress through general education curriculum
Parent Rights
Upon request, the parents should be provided with a copy of the Parents rights in Special Education
RED
The team, along with the parents, should conduct a Review of Existing Data (REDs) meeting to determine the need for an evaluation. One of two decisions can be made: No additional data needed or additional data needed
Consent
The parents must be provided written notice of the decision, the reasons for the decision, and all evaluation procedures to be used during the assessment process. The team must obtain informed consent to move forward with the evaluation
Evaluation
Possible evaluation procedures include:
Vision/Hearing
Health/Medical Information
Adaptive Behavior
Perceptual/Processing
Developmental
Intellectual/Cognitive
Functional Behavior
Psychological, Social/Emotional
Academic Performance/Achievement
Communication/Language
Motor Abilities
Observation in Classroom/Other Environment
Sociocultural
Vocational
Assistive Technology
MEEGS
Within 45 school days, and in the Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Eligibility Group Summary (MEEGS), quilified professionals and the parent must determine the following:
The student is a student with a disabillity
Cannot be due to lack of instruction or lack of English proficiency
The student's disability has an adverse impact on the student's education
Adverse impact exists over time despite alternative strategies provided in the classroom with fidelity
The student has a need for special education services
Mental Health
OCIC School Counseling Website
Social Stigmas Surrounding Mental Health
Information regarding the stigma, prejudice and discrimintation against individuals with mental illness
Provides information regarding the different mental health roles in the school setting
National Association for Mental Health
NAMI's website provides information on psychological disorders, as well as resources for diagnosed individuals and caregivers
Developed by the Osage County Partnership Board, this guide provides useful information on a variety of community resources