‘Special ed’ has various meanings

The words “special education” bring different meaning to each individual. Some may think of a handicapped classmate from grade school, while others recall seeing a disabled individual during organized visits to residence facilities.

Despite their exposure, most people have an incomplete picture of special education. The term encompasses a multitude of services and applies differently to each individual.

In schools, special provisions are necessary for children with physical limitations.

Many need accessible school buildings and must use wheelchairs or other aids to move around.

Children with mental disabilities or development delays often benefit from working in small groups or from one-on-one help in the classroom, as do those who may be deaf or blind.

Requiring attention

Many children have special needs, such as learning disabilities that may require more individual attention from their teachers. Often, their learning problems may go undetected or be difficult to diagnose.

The list of conditions requiring special education is exhaustive.

Many disabilities, such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy, are present at birth. Others, like learning disabilities or developmental delays may not be immediately noticeable. Detection of the letter group may not come until a child is older.

Developmental delays or learning disabilities can sometimes be overcome through intensive therapy or classes focusing on the disability. A child struggling with speech development may participate in speech classes. In most cases, their skills can be brought up to the level of their peers.

Special education isn’t restricted to school children. Some disabilities occur later in life as a result of automobile accidents and other tragedies.

Loss of sight, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injuries are a few of the conditions that require retraining in specific areas. A once-mobile person who suddenly finds himself or herself handicapped must learn new ways to perform everyday functions like crossing a street or taking a shower.

Alabama has many organizations for individuals requiring special education and their families. However, half the battle for these groups is reaching the people who need their services.