Special Education

Here is a list of key Standards Development Organizations (SDOs) and related bodies that develop or maintain facility safety, accessibility, and sustainability standards applicable to K-12 schools, including those serving special education students.  These organizations create voluntary consensus standards, codes, and guidelines. Special education facilities emphasize accessibility (mobility, sensory, etc.), safety (egress, fire protection, security), and sustainability (energy efficiency, indoor air quality, resilience). Many of these standards are adopted into building codes or used as best practices.

1. International Code Council (ICC)
   Develops the International Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC), International Mechanical Code, and International Green Construction Code (IgCC).
   Includes provisions for educational occupancies, accessibility (via ICC A117.1), and safety features relevant to special education classrooms.
   Website: www.iccsafe.org
2. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
   Develops NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) and NFPA 5000 (Building Construction and Safety Code).
   Covers fire safety, emergency planning, and provisions for occupants with disabilities.
   Website: www.nfpa.org
3. American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
   Accredits many SDOs and publishes standards like ANSI/ICC A117.1 (Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities).
   Critical for accessibility in special education spaces.
   Website: www.ansi.org
4. ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)
   Develops standards for indoor air quality (ASHRAE 62.1), energy efficiency (ASHRAE 90.1), and thermal comfort.
   Highly relevant for healthy learning environments in special education.
   Website: www.ashrae.org
5. U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) / LEED
   Administers LEED for Schools rating system.
   Focuses on sustainability, energy, water, materials, and indoor environmental quality.
   Website: www.usgbc.org
6. Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS)
   Develops the CHPS Criteria and rating system specifically for K-12 schools.
   Emphasizes health, safety, accessibility, and sustainability ideal for inclusive/special education environments.
   Website: www.chps.net

Other Notable Organizations and Guidelines

• International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) and U.S. Access Board: Develop federal ADA Standards and guidelines for accessible design in schools.
• ASTM International: Standards for materials, testing, and safety features.
• Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS): K-12-specific safety and security guidelines.

Additional Context

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) require accessible facilities; these reference the standards above. Many states adopt ICC/NFPA codes with amendments for schools and special education (e.g., universal design, sensory rooms).  U.S. Access Board (ADA), ASTM International, and Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS).

Four Year Institutions Offering Special Education Programs

• Eastern Michigan University (EMU, Ypsilanti) — Strong K-12 Special Education BS endorsement programs (multiple categories like Cognitive Impairment, Emotional Impairment, Learning Disabilities). Offers undergraduate and graduate options.

  emich.edu

• Michigan State University (MSU, East Lansing) — BA in Special Education with elementary certification + Learning Disabilities endorsement.

  education.msu.edu

• Western Michigan University (WMU, Kalamazoo) — Expedited MA programs and bachelor’s/master’s in areas like Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional Impairment, Learning Disabilities.

  wmich.edu

• Alma College (Alma) — BA in Special Education; expedited programs in Learning Disabilities, Cognitive Impairment, Emotional Impairment. Para-to-Pro pathway.

  alma.edu

• Central Michigan University (CMU, Mount Pleasant) — Programs for Teachers of Students with Emotional Impairment (and others).

  cmich.smartcatalogiq.com

• Ferris State University (Big Rapids) — Bachelor’s and master’s in special education (multiple endorsements).

  michigan.gov

• Oakland University (Rochester) — Special Education endorsements (e.g., Emotional Impairment, Learning Disabilities, Autism).

  mdoe.state.mi.us

• Wayne State University (Detroit) — Undergraduate/graduate special education with various specializations (Cognitive Impairment, etc.).

  specialeducationguide.com

• University of Michigan-Flint — BS in Special Education.

  umflint.edu

• Saginaw Valley State University — BA in Special Education.

  specialeducationguide.com

• Concordia University (Ann Arbor) — Online options for endorsements (e.g., Learning Disabilities) or initial certification + master’s.

  onlineinfo.cuaa.edu

Others: Grand Valley State University, Northern Michigan University, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor/Dearborn, Madonna University, Spring Arbor University, etc.