Special education is a vital part of the multidisciplinary treatment approach for children with neurological disorders. Special educators provide a range services depending on the specific needs of the child.
Role of Special Educators :Assessment and Planning
Children with special needs are assessed to determine their specific stengths and weaknesses. This assessment determines their specific needs and will help in designing the intervention which will further lead to achievement of a higher level of personal self-sufficiency
Designing Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Special educators provide Individualized Education Program (IEP) to every child. The IEP addresses every child's unique learning issues and includes specific educational goals. For children with age of less than 3 yrs, an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) is made based on the child's present level of development in all areas. These services will help the affected children and their families achieve the outcome efficiently.
Each child must have an individualized Education Program (IEP) that distinguishes particular needs. These services will allow children to reach goals which will be assessed at the end of each term along with short-term goals that will be assessed every few months.
Modifications and Accommodations
Based on the individual needs, modifications and accommodations can be made the school curriculum, teaching procedures, assistive aides or equipment can provided along with specialized physical adaptations which will make the child's participation in the educational program easy and convenient. Their learing space can be modified according to their needs and made free of distractions.
Special education is extremely important for children with special needs so as to make education available to them. These children are lifelong dependent on their care takers for all activities of daily living.
Special Education along with other rehabilitation techniques will provide them with necessary assistance to live a fulfilled and an independent life. It helps in finding the interests and skills of the child and encouraging them to excel in it. This can boost their confidence. Children are taught social skills and are made aware of their surroundings. lt facilitates an independent life for the neurologically disabled children and also improves their quality of life by providing knowledge.
Ms Karuna
D.Ed. - Special Education