We need to banish our stereotypical images and view each student as an individual who brings his or her special abilities and talents to the classroom. Listed below are the kinds of assumptions that can be barriers to positive educational experiences for students with disabilities and the field of special education. As we learn more about how to best teach students with disabilities, their achievement and successes increase, as evidenced by the increasing number of students with special needs graduating from high school and going on to pursue postsecondary education. The majority graduated with a standard high school diploma or a certificate of completion. Furthermore, the percentage of incoming college freshman with disabilities has more than tripled since 1975, the year legislation was passed mandating appropriate public education for students with disabilities.
Research focusing on students with disabilities affects only a small number of students.
Special education research has greatly impacted all education. Many of the advances in teaching strategies have resulted from research in special education. As a result, all students have profited from improved educational techniques that focus on individual learning styles and new methods to present materials to students of many different abilities and skills. Children with disabilities grow up to be a burden on society. By providing quality special education services, we greatly increase these individuals probability of competitive employment.