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The Special Education Department of the Anchorage School District (ASD) employs teachers and other educational professionals with specialized expertise, certification, and/or licensure to design, implement, and supervise the district's special education services. The Early Intervention Services Center offers developmental screenings for children ages 3-5 who experience developmental delays or other disabilities at no cost. 

For more information regarding special education services, please contact one of the following:
 

 

To locate your neighborhood school, please check the ASD website at https://www.asdk12.org/schools

Educational needs of children with disabilities

Special education services provide specially designed instruction, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. Specially designed instruction means adapting content, methodology, or delivery of instruction to ensure access to the general curriculum and address the Individualized Education Program (IEP). It is important to understand that special education is a service, not a place.

Eligibility for Services for Students with Disabilities

Two federal laws protect children with disabilities: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Children experiencing disabilities are required to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) under IDEA and Alaska State Regulations. Under IDEA, a child can qualify as having a disability under one of the following eligibility categories:
 

 

Section 504 defines disabled as "any person who has a physical or mental disability which substantially limits a major life activity or has a record of such a disability or is regarded as having such a disability." Please refer to the contacts above for more information about whether your child may qualify for services under IDEA or Section 504.

Rights of children with disabilities

IDEA provides for a "Free Appropriate Public Education" to all children experiencing disabilities. This means a no-cost education that addresses each child's unique needs through an Individualized Education Program (IEP), provided in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Based on LRE, each child must be educated with non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. Any removal from the general education setting must be necessary and justified based on the child's individual needs. IDEA places a responsibility on parents to become actively involved with their child's education. It also establishes rights to which parents are entitled, known as the Procedural Safeguards.

Services available to children with disabilities

The Anchorage School District provides comprehensive educational services to children with disabilities and additional needs that cannot be met by the general education program. Services are designed by an IEP team, including the parent or guardian, to be provided in the Least Restrictive Environment. IDEA requires that a continuum of special education placements be available, including, but not limited to:

• support in the general education classroom
• direct service in the general education classroom
• direct service in a resource classroom
• self-contained special education classrooms
• special schools
• home or hospital instruction

In addition to special education services, the IEP team may determine a need for related services, which may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, specialized nursing services, audiology services, and transportation.

The STEP Center

The STEP Center, located in the Special Education Department, provides a variety of services, including resources, a lending library, an event calendar, and consultations with parents and staff regarding special education services.

Confidentiality protections

ASD maintains the confidentiality of information relating to students with disabilities. The district must obtain written consent before disclosing personally identifiable information to any person unless a specific statutory exemption applies, including school officials with a legitimate educational interest.