The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Click here to visit the IDEA website) defines special education as: "Specially designed instruction, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability." It can include specialized services in Occupational Therapy, Behavioral Health, Speech Language Therapy, Social Emotional Learning, Physical Therapy, Academic services, Adapted Physical Education, Executive Functioning and Adapted functioning supports, Visual and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Supports. 

Special education ensures that the unique needs of students who are differently abled are met through specialized services, supports, programs, or environments. Special education services are provided to eligible students at no cost to families. Special education provides specially designed instruction and interventions, as well as gives students with disabilities access to the same educational programs and/or activities that are available to their nondisabled peers.

Learn more about the RI Regulations Governing the Education of Students with Disabilities here: