Understanding Special Education and Models of Disability

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on special education, IDEA, and disability models.

Special Education

A set of services provided to students with exceptional learning needs, governed by IDEA, including specially designed instruction at no cost to parents and provided in various educational environments to students with an individualized education program (IEP).

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)

U.S. federal law that guarantees a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and requires specially designed instruction and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students with disabilities.

IEP (Individualized Education Program)

A collaboratively developed plan created by a multidisciplinary team to meet a student’s unique educational needs, ensuring access to FAPE.

FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education)

A guarantee that all students, including those with disabilities, receive educational services tailored to their needs at no cost to families, within a suitable environment.

LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)

The principle that students with disabilities should be educated with non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.

EHCA (Education for All Handicapped Children Act)

A 1975 Act guaranteeing free and appropriate public education to all children with disabilities; later renamed IDEA in 1990.

IDEA Amendments (2004)

Amendments to IDEA to improve educational outcomes for children with disabilities and enhance accountability in educational practices.

RA 11650 (Inclusion and Services for Learners with Disabilities Act)

Philippine law (2022) instituting inclusive education, requiring IEPs, ILRCS, rights protection, and inclusive policies; promotes equal access to education for learners with disabilities.

ILRCS (Inclusive Learning Resource Centers)

Centers established to support learners with disabilities; required by RA 11650 at local levels.

Early Years Act (in RA 11650 context)

Reference within RA 11650 noting coverage for learners with disabilities from ages 3 to 24, including infants and toddlers under the Early Years framework.

Multidisciplinary team

A group of professionals from multiple disciplines who screen, evaluate, and develop an IEP tailored to the student’s needs.

Inclusion (Inclusive Education)

Educating students with disabilities alongside their non-disabled peers with appropriate supports and services.

Impairment

A problem with a structure or organ of the body.

Disability

A functional limitation with regard to a particular activity.

Handicap

An environmental factor that prevents fulfilling a normal life role.

Moral/Religious Model

A view of disability as a curse or blessing influenced by cultural beliefs and moral perspectives.

Biomedical/Individual Model

A view of disability as an illness or medical condition to be treated so the person can become 'normal'.

Functional/Rehabilitation Model

A focus on rehabilitation to help individuals regain independence and reintegrate into society; may include habilitation for congenital disabilities.

Medical Model

Emphasizes impairments or differences within individuals, focusing on what is 'wrong' rather than their needs.

Social Model

Disability is caused by societal barriers (attitudinal, environmental, physical) rather than solely by impairments; calls for societal change.

Right-Based Model

Emphasizes equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities, advocating for inclusion, protection, and participation.

Related services

Support services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling needed for the student to benefit from the educational program.

Assistive devices

Tools and technologies that support learning and participation for students with disabilities.

Procedural safeguards

Rights of parents and students to information, records, participation in decisions, and resolution of complaints.

Personalized strategies for learning

Individualized teaching methods, assistive technology, and targeted interventions tailored to each student’s needs.

Diverse learning needs

Wide range of disabilities and learning challenges requiring flexible, adaptable instructional approaches.