What’s So Special About Special Education?

Dr. Susan Brody HasaziCollege 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 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.