Special Education Resources

Special needs students receive their special education witht help of a variety of resources. This includes the use of special education resources such as assistive technology, specially adapted equipment, special needs materials, accessible settings and other educational interventions – all designed keeping in mind the needs of the special needs student.

Special education resources create an optimum performance environment for students by adapting the environment to suit their special education needs. Without the appropriate adaptation for special needs education, these students may not have been able to achieve the high levels of proficiency. Normal school and education settings do not offer a comfortable learning environment for students with special needs.

Government Special Education Provisions

Each country has its own laws and regulations regarding special education. While special needs education is an excellent concept on paper, for many special needs students this is not a reality as they are unable to gain access to educational resources, curriculums and other learning materials adapted specially for their needs.

In the United States, The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) works hard to ensure adults, youth and children with disabilities receive a proper education. The Office provides special education assistance to school and local districts both financially as well as in the form of leadership.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004 was enacted into law on December 3, 2004. Approximately 6.8 million children and youth with disabilities are served by IDEA.

As the nation’s special education law, IDEA authorizes formula grants to states, and discretionary grants to institutions of higher education and other non-profit organizations. These grants support special needs education research, demonstrations, technical assistance and dissemination, technology and personnel development and parent-training and information centers.

Special Education For Children

Parents often have a hard time withdrawing their children from regular school and enrolling them in a special needs education program. Many parents believe their child will eventually “Recover” by being surrounded by other “normal” kids. Unfortunately, special education does have a stigma attached to it.

Special education however is not designed to dumb down a special needs child. On the other hands, special education schools design specially fornulated curriculums and learning materials in order to help a disabled child learn better, according to their pace and abilities. Special education is designed to help bring out the best in a child rather than the worst, and this is something many parents refuse to understand.

Special needs education is a luxury many Americans take for granted. In many countries there is little or no provision for special needs education, leaving disabled children to suffer through the rigours of regular school when they actually need special attention.

Education Disability Classifications

According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), there are 13 classifications of disability that are eligible to receive special education services. If a child has one of the following disabilities, they are eligible for special needs education services.

1. Autism
   
2. Other Health Impaired
3. Mental Retardation
4. Emotional Disturbance
5. Deafness
6. Hearing Impairment
7. Visual Impairment
8. Deaf-Blindness
9. Specific Learning Disability (LD)
10. Multiple Disabilities
11. Orthopedic Impairment
12. Speech or Language Impairment
13. Traumatic Brain Injury

Parents should take a good look at IDEA’s list of disabilities to determine whether or not their children are eligible for the special education programs. Despite eligibility, many parents choose not to take advantage of the excellent special education services that their child can have access to. This is usually due to a social stigma. However, it is important parents should do what is right for their children. If children suffer from of these 13 disabilities, it is important that parents seriously consider special education services for their children.

References:

The Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act (2004) – U.S. Department of Education

1800wheelchair.com Scholarship

1800Wheelchair.com is proud to announce our sixth scholarship award. Established in 2006, the 1800wheelchair scholarship now awards two $500 scholarship each year. Our past essays have explored mobility issues on campus and much more.
Website: http://www.1800wheelchair.com/scholarship/

AbleFlight Scholarships
THE SCHOLARSHIP
Above all, candidates must be dedicated to the idea that they, too, can change their lives by learning to fly. Able Flight encourages people with a variety of disabilities to apply to become an Able Flight Scholar.
Website: http://www.ableflight.org/scholarships.html

AmeriGlide Achiever Scholarship
The AmeriGlide Achiever Scholarship is a program we offer to full time college students who use wheelchairs. Our goal is to help provide financial assistance for books or other school related supplies to deserving mobility challenged students. This $500 scholarship is available twice a year for the Fall and Spring Semesters.
Website: http://www.ameriglide.com/scholarship/

The Boilermaker – Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Boilermaker 15K is the premier event of Boilermaker Weekend. This world renowned race is often referred to as the country’s best 15K. The Boilermaker 15K, which sets the standard for race management, is recognized for its fun, its entertaining yet challenging course, and its post-race party at the F.X. Matt Brewing Company. And, the Boilermaker offers up to $14,300 in prize money for wheelchair athletes.
Website: http://www.boilermaker.com/events/wheelchair.php

ChairScholars
The ChairScholars Foundation provides scholarships for college or vocational training to low-income students with severe physical disabilities – allowing them the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Any young person with a physical disability and a dream can apply for a scholarship.
Website: http://www.chairscholars.org/

The Claude S. Weiler Scholarship for Amputee College Students
The National Amputation Foundation is proud to offer six (6) $500.00 scholarships to college students with a major limb amputation, who will be attending an accredited university as a full time student. A major limb amputation is described as loss of limb beginning at or above the wrist or ankle. The scholarship application period begins September 1st with a deadline of August 31st.
Website: http://nationalamputation.org/scholar1.html

Disability.gov – Scholarships: Financial Aid: Education
There are a number of scholarships for People with Disabilities in general on this page.
Website: http://www.disability.gov/education/financial_aid/scholarships?sort=title

The Eastern Nebraska Wheelchair Athletic Association

The Eastern Nebraska Wheelchair Athletic Association (ENWAA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1975 and became an exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code in 1988. ENWAA is the premier wheelchair sports organization in Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa. Also, many of our members have participated on the United States Paralympic Team and have had opportunities for international travel. Several of our members have received college scholarships through wheelchair athletics.
Website: http://www.enwaa.com/

Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
FRIENDS OF WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was established by friends and alumni of the Edinboro University Wheelchair Basketball and Athletic programs. The individual selected (incoming freshman, transfer or upperclassman) is a member of the Edinboro University Wheelchair Basketball Team and must meet minimum NCAA requirements and maintain NCAA eligibility. At the discretion of the coach, the scholarship is renewable for a maximum of five years provided the individual maintains NCAA eligibility, and multiple awards may be given. The scholarship can only be awarded during the Fall and/or Spring semesters.

Website: http://departments.edinboro.edu/development/general%20athletic.html

Mt. Hood Community College – Disability Scholarships
A General listing of Disability Scholarships.
Website: http://www.mhcc.edu/pages/2491.asp

National MS Society Scholarship Program
The Society established its scholarship program in 2003 and the program continues to grow both in terms of support and scholarships awarded. In its first year of operation the program awarded 36 scholarships for a total of $68,000; in 2009 a total of $1,021,600 was awarded to 510 scholars.
Website: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/get-involved/programs-and-services/scholarship/index.aspx

R.A.G.E. Gym
The scholarship program gives the recipient a 13 week membership to Gold’s Gym. In addition, each recipient receives a fitness journal and a certificate of completion once the scholarship has ended.
Website: http://www.bteamrage.org/rage_gym.html

SpinLife Innovation in Motion Scholarship Program

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be over the age of 18
• Be a manual or power wheelchair user
• Be enrolled at an accredited 4-year educational institution at the undergraduate level
• Be a legal resident of the US or possess a valid student visa
• Maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0
• Have not at any time been subject to any disciplinary action by any institution or entity, including, not limited to, any educational or law enforcement agency.

Website: http://www.spinlife.com/scholarship/

Standing Wheelchair Company Annual Scholarship (in honor of Douglas Spooner) – SVSU
Website: http://www.svsu.edu/financialaid/types-of-financial-aid/scholarships/student-leadership.html#Wheelchair

TSIC of Sarasota Student Scholarship
Take Stock in Children/ Chair Scholars Foundation applicants must:
• Exhibit positive behavior in and out of school
• Attend school regularly
• Maintain satisfactory grades
• Be determined to succeed
• Demonstrate a financial need
• Must have a documented physical disability
Website: http://www.takestocksarasota.org/resources/student-scholarship-appChairSch.pdf

USTA Northern
USTA Northern realizes the need for funding to support aspiring tennis players without the means to reach their full potential. To assist with your search for support, we put together this comprehensive list of players scholarships that are available through the USTA Family.
Website: http://www.northern.usta.com/Global/Custom%20Pages/Scholarships/22936_Player_Scholarships.aspx

USTA Southern
USTA Southern offers a variety of program grants to promote & develop the growth of tennis. With approval from the state offices, grants may be awarded up to $1,000.00.
Website: http://www.southern.usta.com/?sc_itemid=2091700d-6dea-42af-8d3f-d183927ac068

The Wheelchair Mavericks
College Scholarship Programs: The Wheelchair Mavericks scholarship program continues to develop. The scholarships are named in honor of the Wheelchair Maverick’s sponsors. The scholarships vary in amount from $250 to $2,850 per semester.

* Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation Scholarship
Jackie Bartels, University of Texas at Arlington
* Dallas Mavericks (Mary C. Crowley), Scholarship
Paul Schulte University of Texas at Arlington
* American Airlines Scholarship
Meghan Schulte, University of Texas at Arlington.
As the Wheelchair Mavericks grow we will increase the schedule of competitive basketball, community service, and continue our educational scholarship program for the local disabled community.
Website: http://wheelmavs.org/community.htm
The Wheelchair Success Foundation
We urge everyone to identify experiences that motivate them to take action toward the realization of their goals. This is vital to reaching peak performance level. Genetics, abilities or disabilities do not matter near as much as a positive attitude, personal determination and desire to reach your goals — and Never Give Up!
Website: http://www.wheelchairsuccessfoundation.org/

Who Is Eligible For Scholarships For Disabled Students?

Disability scholarships are often designed for specific purposes. Even though you might be considered disabled under the definition of ADA guidelines, you might not be eligible for all kinds of scholarships for disabled students. Often times, disabled students grants and disability scholarships are set up to cater to specific individuals with special education needs. Scholarships for the disabled may be aimed at mentally disabled students, students with learning disabilities, the blind, the hearing impaired, disabled female students and so on. While there are also plenty of general scholarships for disabled people, one must ascertain their qualifications before applying for any specific scholarship. Most disability scholarships allow you to apply to multiple funds in order to assist you with your college needs. Furthermore, as disabled students, you are also eligible to apply for the regular federal aid given to everyone else which will be determined based on your financial condition.

Types Of Disabled Student Grants & Scholarships For Disabled Students

There are virtually hundreds of organizations giving out disability scholarships to provide assistance to the disabled. If you are qualified to receive aid, a little research and patience would go a long way in ensuring a worry-free education for you. Some of the most commonly known scholarships for disabled individuals are:

1. National Federation for the Blind: Numerous disabled student grants and disability scholarships are available through this organization to support the blind.
2. National Association of the Deaf: A variety of scholarships are available for the deaf to support graduate college for disabled students.
3. Alexander Graham Bell Association: Scholarship opportunities available for disabled students pursuing undergraduate or graduate school studies. Preference is given to the deaf and hard of hearing students.
4. 1-800-Wheelchair Scholarship: Disability scholarship given to high school or college students. Preference is given to students with mobility disabilities.
5. American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD): Supports disabled students going to college. Preference given to health science and disability studies majors.
6. The Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation: Incorporated to support female disabled students pursuing graduate studies and overcoming a physical disability. Offers scholarships in varied amounts based on your financial need.
7. Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Scholarship: Provides major financial assistance to PVA members and their families.
8. National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Designed to provide assistance to disabled students suffering from MS or to those whose parents suffer from this disability.

More and more high schools, colleges and universities are realizing the potential disabled students have in the educational field. After having to pay exorbitant medical bills, most disabled individuals are left with little or no money to pursue further studies. In order to ensure a college for disabled students, efforts are being made to set up various scholarships for disabled individuals in order to support them financially. With a little help from the government and these numerous private organizations, students now have the opportunity to receive these various disability scholarships and disabled students grants and are now experiencing better prospects in advancing their career.

References:

1. Grants for Students with Disabilities – College Scholarships
2. Scholarships – Disability.gov
3. Disability Scholarships – Scholarships.com

Understand a Child with Leaning Disability

What is a learning disability? Children with learning disabilities may feel it is a lack of intelligence or brainpower. This is entirely untrue as a number of famous people like Winston Churchill, Walt Disney, Tommy Hilfiger, Orlando Bloom, William Hewlett, Albert Einstein and many others all suffered from learning disabilities while growing up. Learning disabilities are problems with brain receptors that disallow it to receive and process information like regular children. Thus children with learning disabilities become slow learners and find it difficult to focus on material. The complex processes in our brains get mixed up in a learning disability student and he finds it extremely hard to decipher it.

Learning Disability Help: Types of Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities can occur in a number of regions of the brain. Children with learning disabilities are most commonly diagnosed with:

• Dyslexia: Inability to read
• Dyspraxia: Sensory/Motor Disorder
• Dyscalculia: Math reasoning disability
• AD/HD: Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder
• Dysgraphia: Inability to write
• Visual and Auditory
• Communication

Learning Disability Resources & Help For Children

While learning disabilities are permanent and there is no absolute cure for it, there are a number of learning disability services and special education resources that are available to improve one’s condition.

• Recognize a child with learning disability instead of ignoring it and blaming the child.
• Provide a learning disability student with extra help in the form of private tutors, extra classes in school, study programs and any other form of learning disability services that may be available.
• Certain schools offer learning disability students with programs like IEP (Individualized Education Program) which might prove beneficial
• Help children with learning disabilities to adapt to their condition and work around it.
• Medication is available for certain kinds of learning disabilities which makes it easier for a child with learning disability to function normally.
• Self-perseverance and belief from family members goes a long way to improve the condition of children with learning disabilities.

Children with learning disabilities find it hard to cope up with studies and even daily activities of life. However, it must be remembered that these learning disability students are smart and equally capable individuals once they overcome their learning disabilities. Even though a treatment is not possible for most learning disabilities, a number of learning disability services are available for the betterment of these children. With these learning disability resources and the  love and support of people around them, children with learning disabilities can grow up to be successful and confident individuals.

References:

1. Protecting Students With Disabilities – U.S. Department of Education
2. LD Basics – National Center for Learning Disabilities

What is Special Education?

IDEA defines Special Education as “Specially designed instruction, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability.” A special education school is an environment where disabled children are provided with special education resources that would make it easier for them to learn and receive a proper education. While teaching special education, such schools look into a child’s specific needs and provide them with support. Providing appropriate technologies for children with disabilities can become expensive for parents. Thus, government programs like Individuals with Disabilities Act and No Child Left Behind Special Education Act, have been implemented to provide free and suitable special education schools for such children through the numerous special education funding opportunities.

Special Education Act: IDEA

The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) is a federal program which provides special education funding to state and local governments and assists in expanding special education resources for the betterment of children with disabilities. States are given this federal aid to set up special education schools to provide “free, appropriate public education” (FAPE) in the “least restrictive environment” to special ed children. IDEA was implemented to provide guidelines and regulations and help local governments set up special education schools so as to provide equal opportunities to children with disabilities. Besides teaching special education, IDEA also provides special education funding for assistive technologies, early intervention and other special education resources. This special education Act is a direct attempt to put special ed children at par with non-disabled people.

Basic Facts about IDEA: Special Education Act

• 13 Eligible Categories: Autism, Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment, Deaf or Blindness, Mental retardation, Learning  Disability, Health Impairment, Emotional Disturbance, Orthopedic Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, Developmental Delay, Speech Impairment or Multiple Disabilities.
• Evaluation: The child has the pass eligibility requirements through an evaluation process conducted by trained professionals.
• IEP requirement: Once a disability is identified, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) has to be developed for each special ed child.
• Implementation: The IEP plan is then implemented and the child receives special education resources.
• Free of cost: IDEA sets up special education schools at the State’s expense by the finances provided by the special education funding provision.
• Least restrictive environment: Special education schools are set up as similar to regular schooling environment as possible to avoid disability discrimination. It must include appropriate preschools, elementary schools and secondary special education schools.
• Assistive technologies: Any form of assistive technology required by individuals diagnosed with a disability must be provided through the special education resources so as to help a child succeed in special education schools.

For decades now, the Special Education Act, IDEA, and even the No Child Left Behind Act have provided useful special education resources to improve the lives of many disabled children. Over 6 million special ed children receive special education funding through this federal program and benefit from the numerous nationwide special education schools that have been set up for their betterment. The main aim of implementing IDEA was to provide disabled children with an equal learning opportunity and it shall continue to provide such support by continuously improving its special education resources and teaching special education to interested individuals.
References:

1. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 -  U.S. Department of Education
2. Building the Legacy of IDEA – U.S. Department of Education
3. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – Council for Exceptional Children