The focus of Special Education is to support and encourage the use of resources and strategies that will lead to higher achievement for all students in our system. Special Education programs and services are available to any student who requires them, whether formally identified through the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) process or not. This support can take place in a variety of ways: specialized programs, assistive technology, differentiated instruction, cooperative education, accommodations, modifications, school-to-work programs and alternative settings, all of which provide every student with the opportunity to be successful.

Individual Education Plan (IEP)
The IEP is an important tool in ensuring that the curriculum is accessible to all students. Our focus is to help teachers and principals better understand the differences between accommodations and modifications to a student's program, based on professional recommendations, and to help them appreciate that these changes are necessary to help a student access the curriculum and to demonstrate learning. We will continue to provide professional development in the area of writing expectations in the IEP, so that we see ongoing improvement in connections between the IEP, curriculum, classroom instruction and report cards. The IEP is a living document and as such, we recognize that it should change as a student's needs change.

Specialized Programs
Our system expertise continues to focus on supporting the needs of students identified with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities. Transition planning has become a focus as it is a way to allow community agencies, families and students to collaboratively plan for future endeavours. The continued use of assistive technology, such as touch screens and software, provides students with additional oppor tunities to demonstrate their abilities and comprehension of the skills they have learned. Our integrated behaviour programs continue to support students with challenging behaviours and to help them learn the skills they need to successfully integrate into the regular school setting. We understand that everyone learns differently and may require a variety of opportunities to reach their maximum potential.

Assistive Technology
Assistive technology promotes greater independence for people with disabilities by enabling them to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish, or had great difficulty accomplishing, by providing enhancements to or changed methods of interacting with the technology needed to accomplish such tasks. District School Board Ontario North East continues to be committed to the development and use of assistive technology, recognizing the importance of assistive technology in student success. Our focus areas continue to be availability of assistive technology and the training and support required for individuals using the technology. Realizing that assistive technology is needed by some, but good for all, we continue to build the capacity of all students and staff and place technology in our schools to support all students.