Special Education
HENRY FORD ACADEMY SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
We currently are servicing over 70 students with disabilities. The following staff members service our students with various individual needs:
Pamela Clemons - Special Education Coordinator and Teacher Consultant Grades 10-12
Nicole Barr - Teacher Consultant Grades 10-12
Joe Manzella - Teacher Consultant Grade 9
Maria Sella, PhD. - School Psychologist
- Speech Pathologist
School Social Worker - Courtney Morrison
Our philosophy is to include the students with Individual Education Plans in general education classrooms for as much of their school day as possible. Academic Coaching, which is scheduled twice a week, as well as full block resource room services are also options for students to receive services and are scheduled by trimester. Teacher consultants and our resource room teacher(s) are also available all five blocks for students to take tests and to receive academic assistance as each student's individual needs arise.
Additional support services such as speech and language, school social work, hearing/auditory and occupational therapy are met during various blocks of the day or after school (with parent permission).
Determination of the need for special education is based on the following:
1. Upon entering the 9th grade - a student has an existing special education plan.
2. Through the Child Find process which is outlined above.
Special Education services are free to students and parents under the IDEA, a federal law. Henry Ford Academy's special education program is in compliance with federal, state and county regulations.
Child Find
Child Find is a component of Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) that requires states to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities who are in need of early intervention or special education services. To receive Special Education, children must meet eligibility guidelines according to the IDEA. If you suspect your child has a disability affecting his or her school performance, please notify your child's teacher, counselor, principal or Pamela Clemons, Coordinator of Special Education, 313.982.6200 ext 2903.
HENRY FORD ACADEMY CHILD FIND PROCEDURE
Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) - Federal Special Education Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES IN EDUCATION ACT
Information and resources regarding IDEA
Family Matters provides parents and families with information about special education and other resources.
Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is the civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and guarantees individuals with disabilities equal access to an education. A 504 plan is a plan that lists the accommodations a school will provide so that a student with a disability has equal access to the general education curriculum, upon eligibility. More severe disabilities are typically referred for an IEP.
HENRY FORD ACADEMY SECTION 504 PROCESS AND PROCEDURES