Introduction

As the diversity of our students increases, so do the challenges facing teachers.One area of diversity, special education, encompasses a wide array of disabilities that impair a child’s ability to learn.It is essential that teachers and parents become knowledgeable about 1) learning impairments and their characteristics, 2) educational interventions appropriate to address learner needs in the classroom and, 3) resources available to support students, teachers, and parents.

One important source of information is the web.Several institutions, agencies and organizations have developed comprehensive websites that provide reliable information about specific disabilities and legislation. These sites commonly identify sources of support for those with special needs as well as  resources for teachers and parents. In this course, we will utilize web-based resources to learn about special education generally and particular learning needs.