This session will cover the history and journey of Special Education and the strides that have been made. Presenter(s): Taylor Niss and Gabi Accardi

1. The Special Education Journey
By: Taylor Niss

2. Introduction
• Junior at High Point University – 21 years old
• From: South Florida
• Major: Elementary Education
• Minor: Special Education
• Master’s: STEM (Science Technology Engineering
Mathematics)

3. What does it mean to be a “special
needs student”
• Mild  Extreme
• Inclusion vs. separate
• Accommodations and Adaptations
– Have you had to make any accommodations in
your classroom?
• Turn and talk

4. Special Education Myths
• Myth : Special Education is only for the severely
disabled.
• Fact: Special Education is for all disabled children no
matter how severe who by reason thereof NEED
special education services.
• Myth : Special Education can only be performed in a
special classroom.
• Fact: Special Education requires educating in the least
restrictive environment. This means disabled children
should be educated in the general education classroom
with typical peers to the maximum extent possible.
http://www.specialeducationadvisor.com/top-ten-myths-about-special-education/

5. 504 Plan vs. IEP
• a 504 plan modifies a
student's regular
education program in a
regular classroom
setting. A 504 plan is
monitored by classroom
teachers.
• Does not require
parental approval, but is
strongly suggested.
• A student with an IEP, as
part of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA 2004), may receive
different educational
services in a special or
regular educational setting,
depending on the student's
need. IEP programs are
delivered and monitored by
additional school support
staff.
• Requires parental approval
http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/learning/504-plans.html#

6. Willowbrook
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbiYJkiX-
Dg

7. Pre- Activity
• Blind folds (2 people)
• Non-dominant hand

8. Activity
• Copy the following sentence
“It is vital that when educating our children’s
brains that we do not neglect to educate their
hearts.” - Dalai Lama

9. Blindfolds off/Reflection
• What challenges did you face?
• Should students with disabilities be allowed to
be in regular education classrooms?
• What adaptations will need to be made?
• What adaptations have you had to make in
your own classroom for special needs?

10. 14 areas of eligibility
• VI – Visually Impaired
• HI – Hearing Impaired
• OHI – Other Health Impairments
• TBI – Traumatic Brain Injury
• DF - Deaf
• DB – Deaf/Blind
• AU - Autistic
• MU – Multiple Disabilities
• SI – Speech Impaired
• DD – Developmentally Delayed
• ED – Emotionally Disabled
• OI – Orthopedically Impaired
• LD – Learning Disabled
• ID – Intellectually Disabled

11. Question for you….
• Advice/tips for a first year teacher

12. Thank
You!!
