disabilities or different abilities
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Disabilities or Different Abilities?
Developing the potential of every child.
All children have limitless potential
Children throughout the world hunger for and deserve the right to be educated to reach their full potential. Many times differences in learning are assumed to be an inability to learn, or even a result of one’s state in life. Children with learning challenges are not offered the special opportunities they need to be productive and contributing members of their society.
You may recognize some of these “disabled” individuals…
Through education and the recognition of their potential, they’ve made great contributions… Bruce Willis and Tom Cruise, both with reading problems,
entertain millions
Einstein, who had trouble with simple tasks and had symptoms of Aspergers, helped explain time and matter
Helen Keller, deaf and blind, but with so much to say
Thomas Edison, father of 100s of inventions, struggled to read and failed many times before the light bulb came on
Steven Hawkings, confined to a wheelchair, solves the problems of the universe.
The differently abled among you have much to contribute too…
Learning challenges include…
Intellectual challenges
Specific learning disabilities
Autism spectrum disorders
Physical challenges
Emotional and behavioral challenges
These challenges can be overcome!
Effective assessment strategies
Identifying patterns of strength and weakness
Service delivery options
Alternative instructional strategies
Adaptive materials
Overcoming stereotypes
Teachers can reach and teach each child! Keys to success:
Professional development
Instructional strategies
Classroom organization and management
Classroom climate
Inclusive classrooms
Coaching and mentoring
New teachers
Veteran teachers
Professional learning communities of teachers
Teacher support groups
Learning and supporting colleagues
And the benefits?A world-class education in the 21st century means helping each child reach his or her potential for productive life and work. Breaking down barriers and discounting stereotypes supports the value and dignity of every child and is the mark of a nation that is a model for others.
For more information on training and consulting on the education of students with learning and behavioral challenges, contact:
Nancy Driscoll, MA
School Psychologist
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/nancy-driscoll/14/488/b85
Raleigh/Durham, NC, USA