2. Special education is defined as educational programs and assignments including, special classes and programs or services designed to develop the educational potential of children with disabilities including, but not limited to, educational placements of children by school committees, the departments of public health, mental health, mental retardation, youth services and social services in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and the regulations set forth by the board of education. What is Special Education?
3. Routines are extremely helpful Have a clear system of rewards Reduce seating distractions Teach good study skills Be sensitive to self esteem issues Involve the counselor or school psychologist Special Needs in the Classroom
4. According to the Individuals with Disabilities Act Assistive Technology is defined according to devices and services. AT Devices: 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 AT Services: any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. What is Assistive Technology?
5. According to the National Center for Technology Innovation and Center for Implementing Technology in Education there are 6 steps identifying an AT solution for students. Step 1: Collect child and family information Step 2: Identify activities for participation Step 3: What can be observed that indicates the intervention is successful? Step 4: Brainstorm AT solutions Step 5: Try it out Step 6: Identify How do I know what AT to use??
6. ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Generally the ADHD child is unable to concentrate, constantly moves around, and has poor school performance compared with intelligence.) IEP: The Individual Education Plan is developed with the help of parents, classroom teachers, school officials and guidance counselors. Once written the teacher is required to follow this plan. LRE: The Least Restrictive Environment is a learning plan that provides the most possible time in the regular classroom setting. Inclusive Practices: Students with disabilities should be in the classroom with traditional students as opposed to a special education classroom. Learning Terms to Know
7. FM System: like a small radio on a special frequency. Infrared System: sound from a television screen is transmitted using infrared light. Induction Loop System: Works with hearing aids and is great for use with large groups. AT for Hearing Disabilities
8. Print or picture schedule Low tech aids to find materials (e.g. index tabs, color coded folders) Highlight text (e.g. markers, highlight tape, ruler, etc.) Recorded material (books on tape, taped lectures with number coded index, etc.) Voice output reminders for assignments, steps of task, etc. Electronic organizers Pagers and electronic reminders Single word scanners Hand-held scanners Software for concept development/manipulation of objects Software for outlining and organization of ideas Palm computers AT for ADHD
9. AT For Mild Learning Disabilities Organization: Teaching students to organize their thoughts using charts, diagrams, and outlines Note Taking: options include video taping the class for students to view later, podcasts of the class, or sending class notes via email. Writing: Word processing can be a great tool in helping with mechanics, process, and motivation. Academic Productivity Tools: Calculators, computers, the internet, and PDAs are all examples of productivity trackers.
10. All Children Can Learn: http://portal.norwalkps.org/npsdepartments/speced/Pages/default.aspx Terms to Know: http://www.child-development-guide.com/adhd-and-hyperactivity.html FM System: http://www.tecear.com/Comtek_Personal_FM.htm Infrared System: http://www.bloomingtonnormalaudio.com/products/alds/assistive-listening-products/ Induction Loop System: http://www.harriscomm.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=46_158 Highlighted text book: http://theskiffler.com/?p=1683 Book on tape: http://www.cv.riverview.wednet.edu/staff/rodgers/reasons_to_read_aloud.htm Electronic Organizer: http://www.pygmy.com/yo-550r.htm Handheld Scanner: http://www.techchee.com/2009/12/23/portable-handheld-scanner/ Weekly Planner: http://familyfun.go.com/printables/weekly-calendar-for-teachers-702918/ Note Taking: http://www.metrokids.com/MetroKids/January-2010/How-To-Take-Great-Notes/ Kids on Computer: http://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/computer_typing.html Productivity: http://www.insidemind.net/ Photo References
