Students with intellectual disabilities often need to be taught using different teaching strategies and with additional classroom resources.
The programs listed below are wonderful tools that can be used in the classroom in order to teach content in new and exciting ways that cater to students with intellectual disabilities.
Click the buttons below to be further directed to the websites!
First Author Writing Software is a program designed to encourage students to become fluent writers by guiding students through step-by-step writing processes, as well as supporting teachers in the new Common Core curriculum. This program provides reading feedback, different keyboards for students with physical disabilities, and vocabulary options.
(The Family Center on Technology and Disability, 2015)
Under IDEA, an individualized plan for each student must be set in place for the transition from elementary school to high school to adult life. This website was designed to assist IEP team members along with teachers and family members of students with intellectual disabilities to successfully transition students from one stage to the next. It holds comprehensive resources and tips.
(The Family Center on Technology and Disability, 2015)
According to Ayers, Mechling, and Sansosti, (2013), technology should be used in the classroom to promote a quick turnaround from identifying a student with intellectual disabilities to providing support services within the classroom. Not only should schools teach students with intellectual disabilities how to use technology to better their everyday lives, but schools should equip and support teachers in learning how to fully use technology within the classroom to support students. People trained in the fields of this new technology are becoming more prominent and available to schools, which will increase knowledge and therefore create better learning environments for students.
(Source: https://www.njea.org/news-and-publications/njea-review/october-2011/ipads-in-the-classroom)
Tip: Label everything in your classroom with pictures and the name of what the object is. This is a wonderful resource for students with intellectual disabilities who learn visually rather than through auditory methods.
(Source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.attainmentcompany.com%2Fteaching-standards-science&ei=BtYDVdTWDJHroAT174D4DA&bvm=bv.88198703,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNGOxY1NFeOd-LdVPKraFMouz2MRNQ&ust=142640112805376)
Tip: Bring elements of this optimal classroom layout into your classroom, whether it is a resource room or a general education classroom. Take note of the reading center and the sensory center.
