Chapter 1

Definition of Special Education and Inclusive Education

SPECIAL EDUCATION:
Special education focuses on helping kids with disabilities learn. But it doesn’t mean placing
kids in a special classroom all day long. In fact, federal law says that kids who get special
education services should learn in the same classrooms as other kids as much as possible.
The services and supports for one student may be very different from those of another student.
It’s all about the individual child and giving them the resources they need to make progress in
school.
Kids who qualify for special education have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). They
get individualized teaching and other resources at no cost to their families. Specialists work with
kids on strengths as well as challenges. And families are key members of the team that decides
what kids need to thrive in school.

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION:
Inclusive education is the most effective way to give all children a fair chance to go to school,
learn and develop the skills they need to thrive.
Inclusive education means all children in the same classrooms, in the same schools. It means real
learning opportunities for groups who have traditionally been excluded – not only children with
disabilities, but speakers of minority languages too.
Inclusive systems value the unique contributions students of all backgrounds bring to the
classroom and allow diverse groups to grow side by side, to the benefit of all.
But progress comes slowly. Inclusive systems require changes at all levels of society. At the
school level, teachers must be trained, buildings must be refurbished and students must receive
accessible learning materials. At the community level, stigma and discrimination must be tackled
and individuals need to be educated on the benefit of inclusive education.

CATEGORIES OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Chapter 2

Gifted And Talented Children

Françoys Gagné of Quebec. Gagné (1985, 2000) defines gifted children as those who have high
levels of innate ability, in any domain of human ability, that places them within the top 10
percent of their age-peers—even if their high potential is not yet being demonstrated as high
performance. Talented children, by contrast, are those whose abilities have already been
translated into achievements, and who are currently performing at a level that places them within
the top 10 percent of their age-peers. Gifts are natural abilities whereas talents are systematically
developed skills.

Students with behavioral and emotional disorders (BED)

face challenges that can significantly impact their academic, social, and emotional development.
These disorders encompass a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to, attention-
deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD),
anxiety disorders, depression, and bipolar disorder.
Behavioral and emotional disorders can manifest in various ways, such as impulsive behavior,
difficulty controlling emotions, defiance towards authority figures, social withdrawal,
aggression, and difficulty maintaining focus and attention. These behaviors can disrupt the
learning environment for the affected student as well as their peers.
Several factors can contribute to the development of behavioral and emotional disorders in
students, including genetic predispositions, neurological differences, environmental stressors,
trauma, family dynamics, and socioeconomic factors.

The types and Causes of the problems of the Vision (children)

Vision problems in children can vary widely, but some common types include:
1. Refractive errors:
This includes nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. These
occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina.
2. Strabismus:
Also known as crossed eyes, strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes, which can lead to
double vision and amblyopia (lazy eye).
3. Amblyopia:
Often referred to as lazy eye, amblyopia occurs when vision in one eye does not develop
properly during childhood. This can happen if one eye is significantly more nearsighted,
farsighted, or astigmatic than the other, or if the eyes are misaligned.
4. Convergence insufficiency:
This is a condition where the eyes have trouble working together at close range, leading to
eye strain, headaches, and difficulty focusing on near objects.
5. Color vision deficiency:
Commonly known as color blindness, this condition affects the ability to distinguish certain
colors.

Health impairment and Other health impairment

Health impairment refers to any condition, illness, or injury that affects an individual's
physical or mental health, potentially limiting their ability to function normally in daily life.
This can include a wide range of conditions, from chronic diseases like diabetes or asthma to
injuries such as a broken bone or a mental health disorder like depression.
Other health impairment means having limited strength, vitality or alertness, including a
heightened alertness to environmental stimuli, that results in limited alertness with respect to
the educational environment, that is due to chronic or acute health problems. This includes,
but is not limited to, asthma, attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder, Tourette syndrome, diabetes, epilepsy, a heart condition, hemophilia, lead
poisoning, leukemia, nephritis, rheumatic fever, sickle cell anemia, and acquired brain injury.

Speech and Language Disorder

Speech and language disorders in children and youth encompass a range of difficulties
affecting communication skills. These challenges can include issues with articulation
(pronunciation), fluency (such as stuttering), voice quality, comprehension, and expression.
Such disorders can arise from various factors, including developmental delays, neurological
conditions, hearing impairments, or environmental factors. Early identification through
screening and assessment is essential for prompt intervention. Speech therapy, educational
support, and parental involvement play critical roles in helping children overcome these
challenges, enabling them to communicate effectively and participate fully in social,
academic, and personal activities.

Category of Disability | Ways to Access & Improve Teaching-Learning Process

1. Physical Disabilities
* Provide accessible facilities (ramps, elevators)
*Use adaptive technology (wheelchair-friendly desks, screen readers)
*Modify physical activities to accommodate all students

2. Intellectual Disabilities
*Utilize differentiated instruction techniques
*Offer additional support through resource rooms or aides
*Break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps

3. Sensory Disabilities (Visual, Hearing)

*Provide materials in alternative formats (braille, audio)
*Use assistive devices (hearing aids, magnifiers)
*Incorporate visual aids and subtitles in presentations
4. Learning Disabilities
*Implement multi-sensory teaching strategies
*Provide extra time for assignments and exams
*Offer alternative assessment methods (oral exams, projects)

5. Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
*Establish clear expectations and routines
*Provide a supportive and structured learning environment
*Offer counseling and behavior management strategies

6. Autism Spectrum Disorders

*Use visual schedules and prompts
*Provide opportunities for social skills development
*Offer sensory breaks as needed

7. Speech and Language Disorders

*Utilize speech therapy interventions
*Encourage peer interactions and communication
*Provide visual aids and gestures to support verbal instructions