1. The Special Education Process Alec Johnson SPED 460

2. When did it all begin? Dating back to 400 B.C., Hippocrates believed that emotional problems were not caused by supernatural powers, but by natural forces. Plato, around 375 B.C., defended those with mental disabilities as not being able to account for their deeds. Alexander the Great, built temples that provided asylum for mentally ill persons. It wasn’t until 1450 to 1700 when it was especially difficult for those who were mentally ill or had other special needs. It was said that those who were mentally ill or developmentally disabled were persecuted.

3. Jean Marc Gaspard Itard During the late 1700s, Jean Marc Gaspard Itard pursued new methods to help teach those with mental challenges. Jean Marc was a physician and also an authority of diseases of the ear and education of the deaf. He once found a boy in the forest of Auvergne, France who was naked and had no upbringing. It was his goal to attempt to raise him and also educate him. He was able to produce behavioral changes in the boy, named Victor, but was never able to teach him how to talk or live by himself. Itard’s methods created a movement in the treatment and education for children with special needs.

4. Legislation for People with Disabilities Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 IDEA Development of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments of 1986: Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities – P.L. 99-457 Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 – P.L. 94-142 Amendments of 1983 P.L. 98-199 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments 1997 P.L. 105-17 and 2004 P.L. 208-446

5. Rights as a Parent It wasn’t until 1997 and 2004 when IDEA addressed the participation of parents in the development of their child’s program. It states that the Local Education Agency (LEA) or the State Education Agency (SEA) will ensure that parents are members of any group that makes decisions on the educational placement of their child. Parents can examine all records and participate in meetings regarding the evaluations, placement, and the free and appropriate public education that the child will receive.

6. Rights and Responsibilities for Parents Parents have the right to inspect and review all records relating to their child that a public agency collect, maintains, or uses. Parental consent is required before any child may be evaluated for the first time. Parents have the right to obtain an independent educational evaluation (IEE) of their child. Parents have the right to challenge or appeal any decision related to the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of their child. Parents are responsible for notifying the public agency if they intend to request a due-process hearing.

7. Categories of Special Needs Autism Deafness Deafness-Blindness Hearing Impairment Mental Disabilities Multiple Disabilities Orthopedic Impairment Other Health Impairments