The purpose of this interview-based qualitative study was to explore how individualized education program (IEP) team members determine least restrictive environment and educational placement. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires students with disabilities to be educated in the least restrictive environment and to the…

Assistive technology (AT), as defined in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 (34 CFR sections 300.5 and 300.6), consists of devices and accompanying services that support a student with an IEP or IFSP. AT includes devices ranging from a low-tech pencil with a grip to a high-tech voice-activated computer. AT services assess…

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) recognizes the current challenges faced by states and schools relative to the provision of high-quality intervener services for children who are deaf-blind. To respond to these challenges, OSEP asked the National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB) to conduct an…

In 2008, Thailand passed legislation on the educational provisions for students with disabilities to mandate the implementation of inclusive education. This article provides a historical overview of special education in Thailand and the emergence of inclusive education as it moves from policy to practice. To further identify the challenges faced…

Describes current special education identification, classification, and assessment practices, and evaluates them in light of emerging concerns about their reliability, usefulness, and fairness. Alternatives to conventional practices are discussed, and a revised funding system that can yield the dollar figure available to support the special…

Addresses five questions concerning special education for students with disabilities: Why are so many students considered disabled? What are their educational needs? How should appropriate, individualized services be funded? Are Individuals with Disabilities Education Act's procedural protections necessary? and Can regular education meet needs of…

Public schools must make available special education and related services to all IDEA-eligible (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) students with disabilities beginning at age three and through age 18. Services to students, ages 19, 20, and 21, are permissive. That means the decision to serve 19, 20 and 21-year-old students is determined…

This paper provides school districts with information about determining the need for and providing assistive technology services and devices to children and youth with disabilities. Determinations about the needs of students are made on a case by case basis through the development of a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Once the IEP…

This guide is intended to provide information to Massachusetts school districts and families regarding the availability of, access to, and payment mechanisms for assistive technology devices and services. The first section answers 13 questions concerning topics such as the difference between an assistive technology device and an assistive…

This manuscript offers a general examination of special education in Ontario from its inception to the current system, including references to developments outside the province that have impacted its development. A brief summary of the historical milestones of special education is followed by a look at recent special education legislation. Details…

This document is designed to provide information to North Carolina administrators and teachers on policy issues related to students with disabilities. Policy letters from the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs and the Office of Civil Rights, as well as "Analysis of Comments and Changes" and "Notice of Interpretations on…

These guidelines were developed to help school and early intervention personnel and families understand the nature and benefits of assistive technology and how to use current best practices to provide assistive technology to children with disabilities. Information is provided in a simple question and answer format on the following topics: (1)…

This booklet discusses using the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as funding sources or enforcement tools to ensure that children with disabilities receive needed assistive technology (AT) services and devices. The first section is devoted to a detailed analysis of the legal…

This booklet was developed in response to input from six regional forums held in Missouri in the spring of 1996. The purpose was to solicit public perceptions about inclusive school practices in public schools for students with and without disabilities, as well as to obtain stakeholder input on how to increase and improve inclusive education in…

This document presents final regulations for the Assistance to States for Education of Children with Disabilities program under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA Part B) and the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities under Part C of the Act. These regulations are needed to implement changes made…