Megan Cox

Addressing the Needs of Students with

Disabilities

Students

Within a classroom there are different types of students

Enriched

Special Needs: ADHD, visual/audio impairments, physical disabilities, learning disabilities, etc

Each student has different needs and as a teacher it is our job to meet those needs

Meeting Needs

Begin by evaluating a students strengths and weaknesses

Look at their IEP (individualized Education Plan) and check to see if there is any special assistance that the student qualifies for

Evaluate other solutions such as the use of assistive technologies

The EnvironmentLeast Restrictive Environment: It is important that the student stays in the general classroom as much as the student possibly can so that the student can be educated along with its peers

Enhances Educational Experience

Enhances Social Experience

Inclusion: Mixing both the special needs and general education students in the same classroom

Resource Room: A place where students with special needs can come together away from the general education classroom and collaborate with other like-students

Assistive Technology

What? Adaptive, assistive, and rehabilitation devices

Who? It is for all students, but more specifically it is used to enhance the educational experience for special needs students

ExamplesTools that aid students who have vision problems

Tape Recorder

Large-keyed calculator

Braille translation software

Tools that aid students with communication problems

Text-to-voice or voice-to-text software

Touch Screens

Implementation

Implementing these devices will enhance the students educational experience

These resources meet the developmental needs of the students

These technologies meet the needs of the student in their area of struggle

Conclusion

It is difficult to meet the needs of every student

Use technologies to meet those needs

Constantly research new possibilities and solutions to better educate your student.

Resources

http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te7assist.htm

http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/learning/iep.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assistive_technology

http://www.ericdigests.org/2003-1/assistive.htm

http://www.gpat.org/resources.aspx?PageReq=GPATImp