The purpose of the Special Education program at Benavidez Elementary is to minimize the impact of a student's disability while maximizing opportunities for the student to fully participate in his or her natural environment.

A student suspected of having a disability is referred for an evaluation by a team of specialists. This multi-disciplinary team, which may consist of an educational diagnostician, school psychologist, speech and language pathologist, and other specialists, conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the student to determine eligibility for special education and related services.

Eligible students with disabilities receive specialized instruction in the least restrictive environment with typically developing age level peers for the maximum extent of their day, as appropriate. Related services such as assistive technology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, music therapy, counseling as a related service, and speech and language therapy are provided for eligible students to access grade level curriculum, and to participate in their specifically designed educational program. 

The SPED Department and all teachers at Benavidez are committed to the success of all students, regardless of disability.