What’s So Special About Special Education? Dr. Susan Brody Hasazi College of Education and Social Services

Think for a minute about the word child.

Now think for a minute about the phrase child with a disability.

Chris’s Story Parental advocacy Friendships Community High aspirations

Social Forces Legislation Litigation History of Education and Treatment of People with Disabilities 1800’s-2003

Court Cases Related to Special Education Prior to Federal Legislation Brown v. Topeka, Kansas, Board of Education (1954) Larry P. v. California State Board of Education (1972) Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (1971) Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia (1972)

Federal Legislation Pertaining to Individuals with Disabilities Education for All Handicapped Children Act (1975) Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (1997) Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)

Five Major Principles of IDEA Non-Discriminatory and multidisciplinary assessment of educational needs Parental safeguards and involvement in developing each child's educational program A free and appropriate educational program An individualized education program Education in the least restrictive environment

Christmas in Purgatory Social construction of disability 1960’s - education and treatment as a civil right

I Am Not What You See Prejudging limitations Family support Self-determination

And Then Came John Positive relationships Building a community of acceptance Reframing disability to focus on abilities

My Research in Special Education Least restrictive environment and inclusion Blending research, policy, and practice to create an environment for change

Think for a moment about the word child and the phrase child with a disability.