Last year, 7.5 million students were covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (National Center for Education Statistics). IDEA is a federal law that supports special education services for students with disabilities. The act was signed into law on December 2, 1975. National Special Education Day is on the anniversary of this law every year.
Schools in the nation are required to provide free education and special education services. Special education teachers have to educate students using different methods than other teachers. It is important to remember that the way someone learns does not separate them from others.
December 2 is not only a day to recognize the inclusivity of students, but also teachers. As students with disabilities have to learn in different ways, their teachers also have to adjust to best fit their needs.
Special Education teacher Mrs. Melissa Kaminski states, “Earning my sixth-year certification in technology integration has allowed me to integrate tools that make learning more accessible and engaging for my students.”
Being a special education teacher, they have to ensure they have multiple lines of communication with parents, paras, and other assistants to monitor the progression of students. Within the classroom, they utilize hands-on training, differentiated instruction for each student, and multi-sensory learning.
Staff and students embrace different learning methods that help others learn in ways most beneficial for them. Collaborating with parents and other teachers allows special education teachers to develop the best plan for each student.
Additionally, Foran has a unified sports team. This allows students of all abilities to come together in activities. This sports team promotes inclusivity and allows bonds to form between students.
Unified Sports member Shea Pangu states, “I think Unified Sports is extremely beneficial for both the peer coaches and the players; valuable lessons are learned through the practices and games, things such as patience, sportsmanship, and teamwork.”
It is important to still be welcoming and inclusive in all environments, not just educationally. Creating sensory-friendly spaces at community events, offering job opportunities to students with special needs, and educating the public, would help build a more knowledgeable community.
Courtney Pullins, Special Education Teacher states, “I think the best way the broader community can support anybody – not exclusively people with special needs – is by being kind and inclusive. Having the mindset that all people deserve to be active participants in their communities will foster an inclusive and understanding environment that benefits all people”
National Special Education reminds society of how much progress has been made when it comes to understanding and special education gifts. It has allowed all students to be provided the opportunity to learn. The community should continue to take steps towards advancements in support and inclusive learning environments.
