Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that requires schools to serve the educational needs of eligible students with disabilities. After reading the mandates in IDEA, what challenges do you foresee regarding ELLs or bilingual/dual language students whom also have a disability?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires schools to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to eligible students with disabilities. This includes ensuring that these students have access to the same education as their non-disabled peers, as well as providing them with any necessary accommodations or modifications to help them access and benefit from their education.
One challenge that may arise for English language learners (ELLs) or bilingual/dual language students with disabilities is the need for special education and related services in a language that the student can understand. IDEA requires that schools provide these services in the student’s native language or other mode of communication, unless it is clearly not feasible to do so. This can be especially challenging for schools with limited resources or staff who are not proficient in the student’s native language.
Another challenge may be the need to consider both the student’s language needs and their disability when developing an individualized education program (IEP). An IEP is a document that outlines the goals and objectives for a student’s education, as well as the accommodations and supports that the student will need to meet those goals. It is important that the IEP takes into account both the student’s language needs and their disability, and that it provides strategies for addressing any unique challenges that may arise as a result.
Meeting the educational needs of ELLs or bilingual/dual language students with disabilities may require a significant amount of planning and coordination between school staff, parents, and other relevant stakeholders. It is important for schools to have the necessary resources and support in place to ensure that these students are able to access and benefit from their education.
