1 Inclusion and the Least Restrictive Environment BC

1 Inclusion and the Least Restrictive Environment • BC SECAC Meeting • October 12, 2015 • Office of Specialized Services

Inclusion and the Least Restrictive Environment Information for Families

Senator Paul Harkin, Iowa, stated “. . . we will not, in our nation, measure human beings by what they cannot do. We should, instead, value them for what they can do. ”

Inclusion means including students with disabilities as valued members of the school community Mc. Leskey, Rosenberg, and Westling (2010)

Let’s look at what IDEA says about Least Restrictive Environment One requirement in providing a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) for each child is to place each child with disabilities in the “least restrictive environment” (LRE)

Specifically, IDEA requires school districts to ensure:

1. That to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, including children in public or private institutions or other care facilities, are educated with children who are not disabled; and. . .

2. That special classes, separate schooling or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only when the nature or severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily. (20 U. S. C. 1412(a)(5)) (34 C. F. R. 300. 550(b)(1)-(2)

“Let us put our heads together and see what life we will make for our children. ” Tatanka Iotanks Sitting Bull

Least Restrictive Environment (“LRE”) • To the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities are educated with children who are not disabled.

What about a separate education? • The IEP team can identify a separate education for students but only when the nature or severity of the disability of the child is such that education in general education classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.

Why Include?

Inclusion in City Schools

Unlocking the IEP

Inclusion on the IEP Accommodations Supplementary Aids and Services

Inclusion on the IEP

Inclusion on the IEP

Questions?