I have just statred special education teaching.  I am really interested
That is a great field to get in to. Helping people with special needs achieve a higher level of self suffciency and success in school and life is so important.
I am interested in intellectual disabilities.  Is creating self sufficiency in children difficult?
I'm sure it has it challenges at times, but extremely rewarding. States require special education with federal standards as a condition to receive federal funding. That is a great policy.
I believe that is the right policy.  A teacher must be well educated to meet the needs of these children.
Not only does the student need a good teacher, but they also need adapted equipment and materials and accessible settings to help them be successful which is where that funding comes in to play.
The school administrations must keep up to date on what new equipment and material are available.  I don't trust bureaucracy
Students with special needs benefit from different approaches to teaching and using technology can help too. Best of luck in your endeavors. It sounds like you have the right attitude to be successful in your new career.