When you think of special education, what comes to mind? You might picture students with developmental delays, speech or language impairments, or other observable challenges. While these are accurate, it’s important to remember that special education also supports students with a range of less visible needs. Despite this, society often focuses on more severe disabilities. 

Special education programs are designed to provide personalized support tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. This support helps students thrive and succeed, making special education a valuable resource. So why does it often carry a negative connotation? 

Join us as we explore the stigma surrounding special education and discuss strategies to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students. 

Understanding the Stigma Surrounding Special Education 

As beneficial as special education classes can be for students who need additional support, a stigma still surrounds these programs. Society often casts special education in a negative light, resulting in various forms of discrimination. This stigma can lead to isolating students in special education programs from their peers, setting lower expectations for their abilities, and providing fewer opportunities compared to their classmates in general education classes. 

This stigma may stem from common misconceptions about special education programs, including: 

  • Special education is only for children with severe disabilities.
    In reality, not all disabilities are severe, or even visible. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 32% of children who receive special education have specific learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, while only 7% have developmental delays. 
  • Special education separates students from their peers. 
    65% of students served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2019 spent the majority of their school day in general classes, only seeking extra assistance as needed. 

Strategies for Destigmatizing Special Education 

The stigma surrounding special education can have a significant impact on students and their families. Students may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or become overly aware of their unique needs, which can undermine their confidence. Additionally, caregivers often face emotional challenges, such as worry and stress. Financial difficulties are also a factor. These stresses often arise as they work hard to make sure their children are included in social and educational activities and receive the support they need.  

Fortunately, there are several proactive steps that educators can take in removing the stigma of special education, shifting society’s perception of it, and recognizing it for the valuable resource it truly is, such as: 

  • Seeking professional development 
    Educators can benefit from professional development opportunities that equip them with the skills needed to support students with diverse needs. This might include learning diverse strategies to teach the same concept or organizing small group sessions to provide additional assistance where needed. 
  • Incorporating inclusive teaching practices 
    Many students in special education spend a portion of their time learning alongside their peers in general education classrooms, and fostering an inclusive environment allows all students to feel valued and capable. Inclusive classrooms can also nurture empathy and understanding. This offers everyone the chance to appreciate different experiences and perspectives. With consistency, inclusive teaching practices can help diminish the stigma surrounding special education. 
  • Creating supportive environments 
    Educational leaders play a crucial role in cultivating a school culture that celebrates diversity. Schools can implement initiatives such as diversity workshops and inclusive curriculum development that promote social-emotional learning, understanding, and mutual respect among students. 
  • Collaborating with parents 
    Parents of students with special needs may sometimes feel unsupported by a lack of resources. Schools can address this by providing regular updates and involving parents in their children’s education through workshops and meetings. This approach not only builds a supportive community but also allows parents to voice their concerns, share insights, and feel more connected to other parents. 

Help Break the Stigma with a Specialized Education in Special Education 

Whether you’ve worked in education or you have a friend or family member in the special education system and have witnessed their triumphs and struggles, you can take a stand against the biases in special education. At The University of Texas Permian Basin, we offer three entirely online master’s degrees that provide a well-rounded foundation in special education to prepare you for a career in this rewarding field: 

  • Master of Arts in Special Education 
    This 30-credit online program is tailored for people who want to improve the lives of students with a range of disabilities. Through technology and innovative strategies, you’ll learn how to overcome many of the challenges that special education teachers and students face today, ensuring that and your future students feel empowered and successful in the classroom and beyond. 
  • Master of Arts in Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders Track 
    If your passions lie in working with students on the autism spectrum, this online program provides the evidence-based interventions and strategies needed to help your students thrive in the classroom. The program also focuses on diversity and inclusion issues, providing more tools to help the destigmatization of special education. 
  • Master of Arts in Special Education, Educational Diagnostician Track 
    This online 36-credit program is ideal if you want to work in a role that allows you to diagnose and assess the learning needs of a variety of students. Throughout your coursework, you’ll receive in-depth training on standardized and curriculum-based assessments so you can diagnose students, develop IEPs, and provide recommendations for therapies and behavior plans. 

The time to make changes in the lives of students with disabilities is now. Be the change you want to see in the world—apply to the program of your choice today! 

Sources: 
https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/special-education-student-growth-teachers-understaffed-20efa9da
https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cgg
https://online.utpb.edu/about-us/articles/education/3-myths-about-special-education-debunked/