Discover ways to make learning more accessible so students with disabilities can grow and learn with their peers.
Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) is customizing the content, methodology and/or delivery of instruction to meet the unique needs of a student with a disability.
Elements of SDI
Specially designed instruction (SDI) involves adapting what is taught, how it’s taught, and by whom, where, and when instruction takes place to help students with disabilities access the general education curriculum. Teachers may adjust lessons, materials, or teaching methods—such as using songs, videos, or pre-teaching key vocabulary—to build understanding. These adaptations support comprehension, memory, and skill development so every student can participate and succeed in learning.
Content
Whatis taught to support access to general education?
Methodology
How is instruction is delivered?
Delivery of Instruction
Who delivers it?
Any educator, typically under the guidance of a special educator or related service provider.
Where?
SDI is not a place. It can be provided in any location, as long as it aligns with a student’s IEP and supports their least restrictive environment.
When?
How often and for how long specially designed instruction is provided.
SDI PowerBI Dashboard
The SDI Dashboard is the digital home of the SDI Resource Bank. It offers professional learning materials created by experts from trusted national organizations and the West Virginia Department of Education. Explore free, open-source resources such as visuals, brochures, templates, modules, and webinars. You’ll also find courses—both live and self-paced—with optional certificates or credits available for purchase. Use this dashboard to find the tools your team needs to better understand and apply SDI in your schools.
