Unit 1: Basic concepts of Special Needs Education

This unit aims at helping you get knowledge and a better understanding of various concepts related to Special Needs Education.

Unit learning outcomes

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:

1. Distinguish between the concepts of special educational needs (SEN) and Special Needs Education (SNE);
2. Differentiate between certain terms used in SNE, such as disability, impairment, and handicap; habilitation and rehabilitation; regular, special, integrated and inclusive education.

Unit indicative content

1. The concept of Special educational needs (SEN)
2. The concept of Special Needs Education (SNE)
3. Impairment, disability and handicap
4. Regular, special, integrated and inclusive education
5. Rehabilitation and habilitation
6. Special needs education teacher and coordinator
7. Resource room

Unit learning resources

Read the following resources before engaging in the unit activities (e-tivities):

• Unit 1 PPT slides
• "Understanding special educational needs" from the book "Special Educational Needs" (NCSE, 2014). 
• An article highlighting the concepts of special educational needs, inclusion and segregation

Unit learning activities

- E-tivity 1.1: Forum activity for Unit 1

The purpose of this e-tivity 1.1 is to help you discuss about various examples explaining some of the basic concepts of SNE.

- E-tivity 1.2.: Quiz activity for Unit 1

This e-tivity 1.2 helps you assess the achievement of the unit level learning outcomes 1 and 2.