Multiple Disabilities


Multiple Disabilities:
 a combination of conditions that impair the students ability to learn. A few helpful tips: determine students strengths and desires, peer tutoring and assistive technology. 

Characteristic
 Intellectual functioning-  Most have severe impairments

Adaptive skills-  Especially self-care and social skills
Programs should include self-care and self-advocacy components (essential for their inclusion in the community)

Motor development-  Significant delays in fine and gross motor skills
Physical Therapy w/ orthopedic supports to improve deficits in motor

Sensory impairments-  Hearing and visual impairments are common
Having a clear understanding of their sensory impairments will9.) Orthopedic Impairment: physical impairments caused from disease, injury, burn etc.. A few teaching tips: thoughtful seating arrangements and inclusive activities.  

help develop appropriate instructional programs.

Health care needs-  Medical procedures, medical aids, medications

Communication skills-  Challenges requiring augmentative and alternative communication10.) Other Health Impairments: Inclusive of any other health impairment that effects students ability to learn. For example: chronic illness, psychological disorders etc... A few helpful tips: alter due–date requirements and absence penalty. Provide assignments with depth for students to work on at home or in the hospital. Know your students and their unique needs. 

Teaching Strategies 
Planning process: a multidisciplinary process (parents, teachers, physical therapist, assistive technology teachers, and any additional support staff).

Determining the students strengths and desires

Determine what Resources and support will be needed

Develop an IEP

Integrate students with multiple disabilities with other peers.  Part of the learning process is social development.

Peer tutoring – Must be reciprocal.  Student with MD should be able to provide something to the tutoring process, even if it is simply social behavior.

Assistive technology – is an effective tool for students with MD in overcoming functional and communicative limitations.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication –is any instructional device, technique, or system that serves to support and bolster communication

GOAL: AAC devices allow students with MD to share countless emotional and social benefits that can come from a reciprocal interaction with another person.

Tangible and tactile symbol systems:
Choice boards
Object prompts & symbols
Physical modeling & prompting
Computer or microswitch technology

Resources: 

Resources:

United Cerebral Palsy Association – www.ucp.org

Utah Center for Assistive Technology – www.ucat.usor.utah.gov

Assistiveware – www.assistiveware.com


National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities http://nichcy.org/disability/specific/multiple

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