Defining Special Education and Specially Designed Instruction

What Is Special Education?

Special education is when a child with a disability receives specialized supports and services in a school setting, so they can learn and take part in their education with their classmates. This support is given in the least restrictive environment (LRE)—which means your child should be with typical peers as much as possible, while still receiving the support they need.

For children who are deaf or hard of hearing, this might include things like:

• Access to sign language or spoken language supports.
• Services from needed professionals, such as a teacher of the deaf, interpreter, speech language pathologist, or audiologist.
• Use of hearing assistive technology such as a DM/FM system.
• Use of communication technology, such as closed captioning, or caption access real time, (CART).
• Visual support and seating arrangements.
• Opportunities to interact with peers and adults in their preferred language and communication mode.

What Is Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)?

Specially designed instruction (SDI) is provided for children qualified for special education. SDI means adjusting the content, teaching method, or how lessons are delivered to meet a child’s unique needs, based on their disability. These adjustments help your child learn the same subjects as other students, just in a way that works better for them.

For example, if your child is deaf or hard of hearing, SDI might include:

• Pre-teaching new vocabulary using visual supports
• Using sign language or captioned videos during lessons
• Giving directions in multiple formats (spoken, written, visual)

Your child’s teachers and the IEP team work together to plan these strategies so your child can understand and fully participate in class. Children who do receive special education and SDI, have an Individualized Education Program (IEP).