Ethical Issues and Severe Disabilities: Programming for Students and Preparation for Teachers

Abstract

Professional ethics govern how members of a discipline interact with clients and with each other; in special education in general and in severe disabilities specialization area in particular, there has been too little discussion of the principles of professional behavior that should be applied when ethical dilemmas arise. This article discusses the ethical issues inherent in service delivery for children, adolescents, and adults with severe disabilities and personnel preparation for the professionals who work with them as well as their applications to rural contexts. The goal is to highlight some of the ethical dilemmas educators are likely to face as they work to provide appropriate programs and services to children and adolescents with severe disabilities in rural schools and communities.