The Exceptional Needs program at Indiana Wesleyan University is designed for individuals who have a heart for and desire to help students with learning disabilities or require mild educational interventions. IWU's program is also designed to meet Indiana exceptional needs standards, and is recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
Four guiding principles are foundational to the Exceptional Needs program:
- God created all persons, including persons with disabilities, and each is valuable (Psalm 139:13-16).
- When included as part of society, persons with disabilities have something to offer (1 Corinthians 12:12-26).
- The task of the educator is to teach persons with or without disabilities to fulfill their role in society (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
- Acceptance of these individuals, as they are, is a primary and essential part of teaching (John 4:5-27).
Each Exceptional Needs program (K-6 and P-12) includes general education requirements and a common Professional Core, Exceptional Needs courses specific to the major, and Elective courses. In addition, a Severe and Profound program may be added to either of the Exceptional Needs majors.