A Primer on the Language of Special Education for Occupational Education Personnel.

Overview & Synopsis

Intended for occupational education personnel in New York State, the paper reviews some of the language and concepts of special education as it relates to legislation and terminology, for the purpose of providing a base to build upon in the provision of educational programs for the handicapped population. The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (P.L. 94-142) is briefly reviewed, along with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112) and some New York State legislation. Concepts defined in terms of both New York and federal legislation include due process, free appropriate public education, least restrictive environment, and individualized education program. The labels "learning disabled", "emotionally disturbed", "educable mentally retarded", "trainable mentally retarded", "visually impaired", and "hearing impaired" are defined according to New York State legislation. The following national and New York organizations are briefly described: the Bureau of Education for the Handicapped, the Special Education Instructional Materials Center, the Office of Education for Children with Handicapping Conditions, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Council for Exceptional Children, and the National Association of State Directors of Special Education, Inc. The federal definition of developmental disabilities is also provided. (DLS)