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Special Education
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Sunggye Hong
Director, Special Education Program

What is special education?

Special education educates students in a way that addresses their individual differences and special needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials, and accessible settings. These interventions are designed to help people with special needs achieve a higher level of personal self-sufficiency and success in school and in their community which may not be available if the student were only given access to a typical classroom education.

Project Focus

We are home to Project Focus, an innovative two-year transition program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Project FOCUS (Focusing Opportunities with Community and University Support) is a collaboration with the Pima County public school districts that provides a unique post-high school transition opportunity for students (ages 18-21) with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The program provides access to the University of Arizona’s academic courses, community-based internships, and campus life social events to increase students' independence, communication, and employability. The program is founded on what other college students do. The same is upheld for our students with autism and other disabilities. They have the same type of dreams and goals., which include learning on a college campus, with the end goal of finding a job they are excited about.

Funding Opportunities Available

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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Sunggye Hong

Associate Professor Sunggye Hong was selected as a 2020-2021 Fulbright Scholar. He will conduct a collaborative research project in South Korea that explores the education and employment of people with visual impairments.