Introduction
It is the role of the state and the society, in general, to provide quality education and other social services to children; however, children with disabilities have continued to suffer from lack of inclusion in public social institutions. The lack of inclusion has hampered them from reaching their full potential. Recognizing the deficit in the system, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was enacted as one of the United States federal law to facilitate a solution for this issue. This discusses the key points addressed by the IDEA that teachers should take into consideration when dealing with students with disabilities.
Key points to consider when dealing with disabled children
Equal access to education
Teachers should understand that, like any other child, children with disabilities have the right to quality education; in the cases that they cannot be included in conventional schools, efforts should be made to accommodate them. Current systems need to be modified to meet their demands when they are in conventional classes; for example, they should be given special exams and rated differently.
Right to participation in the education system and the society in general
Teachers should understand that children with disabilities have an important contribution to society; thus, when teaching them, it should not be taken lightly but should be with the seriousness it deserves. Participation attributes should be nurtured from the school level.
Right to early diagnosis
There are times that children are not diagnosed early, creating some difficulties for them to understand and learn as other students; teachers are given the task of being keen and observe to note any abnormality then recommend for diagnosis. In the case that parents are not corporative, teachers should consider other avenues for the same.
Right to special education facilities
Depending on the nature of the disability, children with difficulties in learning should be provided with special learning equipment to facilitate their learning; for example, programs should be made that allow them to get to school late or leave early.
Disability is just a normal human condition and not an inability
Teachers should understand that children with disability have potential and ability to learn and contribute to nation-building; with the understanding, they should ensure that they recognize and exploits their full potential. In most cases, the talents, abilities, and strong points of these people are ignored by the system. However, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) recognizes and advocates for their nurturing (Lee, Apling,& Smole, 2004).
My changed perception as a special education teacher
After reading the text, I have realized the roles that special education teachers play in society; I have recognized that they have the role of unlocking children with disabilities potentials and nurturing it for the good of the nation. When I get into the systems, I will ensure that the strengths and aims of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) have been enacted, and I will observe them appropriately.
Conclusion
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was enacted to advocate for the respect of children with disabilities fundamental rights and freedoms. The act fights injustice against children with disabilities and promotes equal protection of their rights. According to the act, the children should be given a chance for equal participation, economic sufficiency, and self-independence.
Reference
Lee, J., Apling, R.,& Smole, D. (2004). Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): background and issues. New York: Nova Publishers.