Problem
Select one disability category and through your research demonstrate your knowledge of : (I) the characteristics, including etiology of the disability, (II) learning needs of individuals with thedisability, (III) lifespan issues related to the disability (including impact of a disability on the individual and family), and (IV) how disability is similar and different to other types of disabilities (e.g., mild, severe, sensory).
1. What are the characteristics of the disability you have selected to discuss, for example:
a. What is its prevalence? Is it a high- or low- incidence disability?
b. How is it assessed?
c. What is its etiology
d. Are physical/medical issues associated with this disability?
e. Are there social or behavioral implications associated with this disability?
f. What are the requirements related to identification and eligibility for placement for special education services under IDEA - specify the placement process and eligibility characteristics per the IDEA regulation - yes, state the regulation pertinent to the disability and the requirements for admission to special education services?
2. Learning Needs
How does the disability affect learning? For example:
a. What areas of learning might be impacted by this disability?
b. What teaching strategies might benefit learners with this disability?
c. What FAPE, IEP, LRE etc considerations are needed - or not?
d. What accommodations might students with this disability need?
e. Where might a student with this disability receive services? (Think LRE.)
f. What skills will teachers need to work with students who have this disability
g. What community/family needs and behaviors etc are associated with the chosen disability
3. Lifespan Issues (including Impact on Individual and Family)
How does having this disability impact an individual?
a. What are early childhood issues that need to be considered?
b. What are community issues that need to be considered?
c. What are post-secondary (after high school - job, college, independent living) factors that need to be considered?
d. What impact does having this disability have on socialrelationships?
e. What is the impact of the disability on the family?
f. What daily living skills might be impacted by this disability?
g. How does this disability impact family dynamics?
h. What information do families need to advocate for their children who have disabilities?
4. Similaritiesand Differences to Other Disabilities
How is this disability similar and different to other disabilities (or other disability areas)? For example:
a. Is there a difference in the prevalence of the chosen disabilities?
b. What are differences in possible school placements for students with the selected disabilities?
c. What types of instructional strategies or accommodations/modifications may be different for students with the chosen disabilities?
5. Information Synthesis
What have you learned about learners with disabilities in the course, through your assignments and research? What did you learn from the completion of independent learning activities (IRIS modules, field experiences, and exploratory activities) ? And can you show what you learned in the course by integrating what was learned through these experiences with learning from other coursework (lectures, discussions, articles, and textbook readings).