Special Needs Websites
Student Support Services (SD42): this website describe the different programs for special needs offered in the Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge district. It also has a section for teachers, which includes the handbook. The handbook is broken down into the following sections: ministry and district policies and resources, school based services, district student support services, individual programs, and Set-BC / Provincial outreach programs. As well, the website has a section for parents, which includes the special education policy manual, a guide to special education services in SD42, a overview of the key concepts in the curriculum from K-12, and information on assistive technology. In addition, there is a section for SEAs coming soon.
Kids in the Classroom I: the manual developed by the Delta school district has information on how to work with students with anxiety, attentional difficulties, autism spectrum disorder, giftedness, learning disabilities, severe reading difficulties, slow learners, mild intellectual difficulties, and written output difficulties.
Kids in the Classroom II: the manual developed by the Delta school district has information on how to work with students with deafness, visual impairment, moderate intellectual disability, physical disability, intensive behavior challenges or serious mental illness, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and other syndromes.
Kids in the Classroom III: the manual developed by the Delta school district has information on how to work with students with behavior challenges, as well as how to maximize success for all learners.
Kids in the Classroom III: the manual developed by the Delta school district has information on how to work with students with behavior challenges, as well as how to maximize success for all learners.
Anxiety BC: this website provides support for youth, adults, and new moms. In the youth section, it looks at anxiety disorders, thought patterns, and ways to conquer fears.
Provincial Outreach for Autism and Related Disorders: an organization whose primary focus is on increasing the capacity of school district staff to support students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Provincial Outreach Program for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: POPFASD is a provincial organization whose mandate is to increase educators' capacity to meet the learning needs of students with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The webiste provides educational resources including eLearning videos, print resources, a listing of conferences and events, FASD news, and downloadable resources.
ARC-BC: an organization which provides BC educators with alternate forms of materials for their students with perceptual disabilities.
Set BC: a Ministry of Education Provincial Resource Program established to assist school districts in educating students whose access to the curriculum is restricted primarily due to the following disabilities: physical disabilities, chronic health impairments, visual impairments, dependent handicaps, deafblindness, autism spectrum disorders, and moderate to profound intellectual disabilities. The organization lends assistive technologies where required to ensure students' access to programs and provides school districts training in the use of these technologies.
CAST: an educational research and development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals through Universal Design for Learning.
BCTF Teaching to Diversity: links to professional development opportunities throughout the province with a focus on special education.
Special Education Services: a Manual of Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines
In this manual updated in 2011, the ministry describes special education policy; the roles and responsibilies of school districts, schools, parents, and students; developing an individual education plan; services; special needs categories; provincial resource programs; and, internet resources around special needs. To see quick links to major topics in the manual, click here.
Diversity Newsletter Topics for Teachers
Spring 2010, Issue 2: In this newsletter, the topics include differentiated instruction, universal design for learning, the UDL planning tool, inclusion and integration, instructional support planning tools, and a spotlight on resources and district practises.
Fall 2009, Volume 1, Issue 2: In this newsletter, the topics include developing an IEP, IEP considerations, special needs funding, adaptations and modifications, and a spotlight on resources and district practises.