This document discusses strategies and assistive technologies for students with special needs in a classroom. It begins by introducing a 3rd grade teacher with students who have ADHD, auditory disabilities, and mild learning disabilities. It then provides overviews of what individualized education programs (IEPs), ADHD, auditory disabilities, and mild learning disabilities are. The document outlines various assistive technologies and strategies that can help students with special needs, such as pictures, diagrams, independent practice, and interactive programs. It concludes by stating that assistive technology can help all students, especially those with disabilities.
2. INTRODUCTION
You are a 3rd grade teacher who has a few students that require
you to differentiate your instruction. Kevin, Dominick and Elisa
have been diagnosed with ADHD. Sarah has an auditory
disability, and requires a special device in order to hear. In
addition, you have a number of students that have mild learning
disabilities that impact all areas, especially reading and writing.
As you prepare for the school year, ask yourself, "What
resources do I have in order to help me meet my students'
needs?"
3. Overview
Studentswith special needs involves providing
accommodations for some of them and modifications for
others.
Providing for the needs of students diagnosed with
ADHD, an auditory disability and mild learning disabilities
involves assistive technology as well as strategies that do
not require technology.
Additional time and patience will be required when I am
working with these students.
4. What is an IEPs?
Individualized Education Programs for kids with delayed skills or other
disabilities might be eligible for special services that provide individualized
education program in public school. Also, this program is totally free of charge
to families.
What students qualify for this services?
Learning disabilities
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Emotional disorders
Cognitive Challenges
Autism
Hearing impairment
Visual impairment
Speech or language impairment
Developmental delay
5. What is ADHD?
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a
neurobehavioral disorder characterized by either significant difficulties
of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsive ness or a combination of
the two. It is the most commonly studied and diagnosed psychiatric
disorder in children, affecting about 3 to 5 percent of children globally
and diagnosed in about 2 to 16 percent of school-aged children.
The principle characteristics of ADHD are
inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Students with ADHD have a common learning problems are with
reading and handwriting. It's possible a disability interference with
concentration and attention can make it even more difficult for a child
to perform well in school.
6. What is auditory disabilities?
This a term for a variety of disorders that affect the way the brain
processes auditory information. Individuals with APD (Auditory
Processing Disorder) usually have normal structure and function of the
outer, middle and inner ear (peripheral hearing).
APD can affect both children and adults, although the actual prevalence
is currently unknown.
7. What is mild learning disabilities?
Impairments that are sufficiently mild so that
generally normal functioning is possible when
appropriate medical, educational, or other special
services are provided.
8. What is Assistive Technology?
This term includes assistive, adaptive and rehabilitative devices for
people with disabilities and also includes the process used in
selecting, locating, and using them.
Assistive technology increases a student’s opportunities for
education, social interactions, and potential for meaningful
employment. It also supports a student’s participation in learning
experiences in the least restrictive environment. Assistive technology is
a tool to help the student benefit from the general education
curriculum, and access extracurricular activities in home, school, and
work environments.
9. Strategies to help students
with special needs and to use Technology
Used diagrams, graphics and pictures to argument what they were saying in
words.
Provided ample independent, well-designed, intensive practice.
Vary the tone of voice: loud, soft, whisper.
Teach students to verbalize a plan before solving problems or undertaking a
task.
Employ multi-sensory strategies when directions are given and lessons
presented.
Act out the story. Let the child choose his or her character and assign you
one, too. Use funny voices and costumes to bring it to life.
Also, use a different interactive program to create focus on the students its
possible. Example: prezi.com, interactive game, flash card, smart board, etc.
10. Conclusion
The Assistive Technology help all
students, particularly students with special needs.
Also, Georgia Department of Education have a
project to help local school systems to provide
technology for students with disabilities.
11. Web Reference
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Retrieved September 29, 2012, from
Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder
Auditory processing disorder. Retrieved October 4, 2012 from Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auditory_processing_disorder
Education.com. Glossary of Education: Mild Disabilities. Retrieved October
4, 2012 from: http://www.education.com/definition/mild-disabilities/
Georgia Department of Education. Georgia Project for Assistive Technology.
Retrieved October 1, 2012 from:
http://www.gpat.org/Georgia-Project-for-Assistive-Technology/Pages/default.aspx
12. Web Reference (Continuation)
HelpGuide.org A Trusted Non-Profit Resource. Helping Children with
ADHD Succeed at School. Retrieved September 29, 2012 from:
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_teaching_strategies.htm
Kids Health from Nemours. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Retrieved October 1, 2012 from:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/learning/iep.html
Learning Disabilities Association of America. Successful Strategies for
Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities. Retrieved September 29,
2012 from:
http://www.ldanatl.org/aboutld/teachers/understanding/strategies.asp
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities. Considering
Assistive Technology (December 2010). Retrieved October 4, 2012 from:
http://nichcy.org/schoolage/iep/meetings/special-factors/considering-at