Special Education

Special Education Services

Special Education is a program designed for students whose needs cannot be met in the regular education program. These programs include services for students with learning, mental and physical disabilities, as well as mentally gifted students. All special education programs are in compliance with guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Educational programs (full-time, supplemental, itinerant) are available in the District or by contract with support agencies for students with a disability. Your child may be eligible for Special Education if your child:

Has an intellectual disability, emotional disturbance, an orthopedic impairment, a hearing impairment, deafness, a visual impairment (including blindness), autism, traumatic brain injury, other health impairment, a specific learning disability, deaf-blindness, or multiple disabilities, and
Needs special education as determined by an evaluation team

Your child must meet both qualifications in order to be eligible for special education.

Services provided for children will depend upon the amount and type of special education instruction or support based on their individual needs and is suited to their unique abilities. Specific programs and services are provided for students who are in need of:

Autistic Support – For children who require services in the areas of communication, social skills, or behavior.
Learning Support – For children whose greatest need of support is in the areas of reading, writing, math, or speaking or listening related to academics.
Life Skills Support – For children whose greatest need is to learn functional, academic, vocational, and independent living skills that will provide supports to help them live and work independently.
Emotional Support – For children whose greatest need is for social, emotional, and behavioral help.
Deaf or Hearing Impaired Support – For children who require services related to deafness or hearing impairment. The IEP for these students must include a communication plan to address language and communication needs.
Blind or Visually Impaired Support – For children who require services related to visual impairment or blindness. The IEP for these students must address the extent to which Braille will be taught and used.
Speech and Language Support – For children who have speech and language impairment and require services to develop communication skills.
Physical Support – For children who have a physical disability and require services in functional motor skill development.
Multi-Disabilities Support – For children with more than one disability, the combination of which results in severe impairment, and who require services in academic, functional, or vocational skills.