Special Education
Special education — specialized instruction designed to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities — and related services are provided in public schools at no cost to parents. It can include special instruction in classrooms, homes, hospitals, institutions, or other settings.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) gives eligible children with disabilities the right to receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), specialized services, and accommodations in school. The law offers guidance in special education procedures.
In the U.S., more than 7.3 million children receive special education and related services each year.*
*Students with disabilities who are ineligible for special education may receive reasonable accommodations through a 504 Plan.
IDEA’s definition of a “child with a disability” lists these categories:
Autism
Deafness
Deaf-blindness
Developmental Delay (3 - 8)
Hearing Impairment
Infant/ Toddler Disability
Intellectual Disabilities
Multiple Disabilities
Orthopedic Impairment
Other Health Impairment
Serious Emotional Disability
Specific Learning Disability
Speech or Language Impairment
Traumatic Brain Injury
Visual Impairment, including Blindness