Supported education is an option chosen by the educational team, including the family as the primary member. Supported education is the process of providing support, assistance and information to ensure the successful inclusion of students with disabilities within the general education classroom. Supported education is not a way to abolish special education, nor a strategy to decrease services to individual students. It is, however, a means to deliver educational services to students with diverse needs within the general education system. It often results in an increase of services to both individuals with disabilities and their non-disabled peers.
Supported education can benefit students with varying disabilities.
While recognizing the unique learning needs of individuals, modifications and adaptations can be made to accommodate individuals with dual sensory impairments within a variety of educational settings. However, successful programming requires that the supports and supplemental services required by the IEP are provided and managed appropriately, and all involved work in a collaborative manner. Personnel specially trained in sensory impairments must work in a team approach to provide related services. Supported education is an option that should be available to every individual with dual sensory impairments. Careful planning and collaborative efforts will ensure the successful inclusion of individuals in their school, community and work environments.