An Overview of teaching strategies for inclusive

classrooms

Important Terms

• IDEA (2004)

– Individuals with Disabilities Act

• Inclusive Classroom

– Educational approach that allows special needs students to participate in a regular classroom environment instead of removing them completely to their own classroom

Important Terms

• Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

• Assistive Technologies (AT)

– "any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities" (IDEA 300.5).

Who Qualifies for Special Assistance?

• Learning disabilities

• ADHD

• Emotional disorders

• Cognitive challenges

• Autism

• Speech or language impairment

• Developmental delay

• Visual impairment

• Hearing impairment

What is an IEP?

• Individualized Education Plan

– a plan that outlines the goals for a child’s education and the assistive technologies and support needed to realize those goals

– A team of professionals are involved:

• Parents * School Psychologist

• Teacher * Physical therapist

• Special education professional

• Others depending on child’s needs

Types of Assistive Technology

Voice Recognition Software Portable Magnifier

Touch Screen Hardware Adjustable Learning Station

Resources for Teachers and Parents

• Closing the Gap

• CAST- Universal Design for Learning

• Activities for kids with special needs

References

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

• http://www.orpti.org/documents/Understanding%20Dyslexia_Ramsey_Betsy_asstech.pdf

• http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/assistive-technology/702-assistive-technology-for-kids-with-learning-disabilities-an-overview.gs

• http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~wilbur/access/assistive.html

• http://www.synapsestore.com/shop/categories/Adjustable-Workstation-Furniture/

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

• Banks & Banks (2007) Multicultural Education: Issues and perspectives. Hoboken, NJ: John

Wiley and Sons Inc.