Characteristics of Severe Disabilities

This course provides an overview of the categories of severe disabilities. Students will be introduced to special education laws, instructional strategies, assessments, inclusion, and cultural issues as they relate to students with severe disabilities. The importance of social development, vocational education, and transition services is discussed.

Topics and Objectives

Federal, State, and Local Laws for Severe Disabilities

  • Analyze federal laws, state laws, and legal issues related to severe disabilities
  • Identify trends and issues related to the education of students with severe disabilities

Definitions and Terms in Special Education

  • Define handicapping conditions identified by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
  • Identify syndromes and conditions associated with severe disabilities
  • Define terminology used with severe disabilities

Assessments and Eligibility for Severe Disabilities

  • Explain eligibility criteria for special education services for students with severe disabilities
  • Compare and contrast formal and informal assessments used with students with severe disabilities
  • Examine Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) for severe disabilities

Characteristics of Students with Mental Retardation, Severe Disabilities, and Multiple Disabilities

  • Analyze characteristics of students with mental retardation, severe disabilities, and multiple disabilities
  • Describe accommodations for students who have these severe disabilities
  • Examine curriculum adaptations for instructional programs

Characteristics of Students with Sensory and/or Visual Impairments, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Physical/Other Health Impairments

  • Analyze characteristics of students with sensory and/or visual impairments, traumatic brain injury, and physical/other health impairments
  • Identify issues affecting the support of health and medical needs of students with sensory and/or visual impairments, traumatic brain injury, and physical/other health impairments
  • Identify school staff needed to meet the medical and health needs of students with sensory and/or visual impairments, traumatic brain injury, and physical/other health impairments

Characteristics of Students with Emotional Disorders, Behavioral Disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorders

  • Analyze characteristics of students with emotional disorders, behavioral disorders, and autism spectrum disorders
  • Describe functional behavioral assessments and behavioral plans

Enhancing Teaching and Learning with Assistive Technology

  • Identify low-tech and high-tech assistive technology (AT) devices
  • Examine a team assessment and decision-making process for the use of AT devices and services
  • Examine the types of individuals in need of training and support for AT devices
  • Identify individuals who will be responsible for AT devices and training students to use AT devices

Effective Curriculum and Related Services for Severe Disabilities

  • Compare and contrast academic and functional curriculum
  • Define related services available for severe disabilities
  • Evaluate the structure of transdisciplinary teams working with severe disabilities
  • Examine ways to coordinate instruction with multiple providers for severe disabilities
  • Examine paraprofessionals needed in classrooms for severe disabilities

Transition Issues Within Severe Disabilities Programs

  • Describe "transition" in the context of federal law for severe disabilities
  • Analyze significant transitions for severe disabilities
  • Examine Individual Transition Plans (ITPs)
  • Discuss self-determination, supported employment, and vocational instruction

Inclusive Educational Environments for Severe Disabilities

  • Analyze essential support for inclusion of students with severe disabilities
  • Differentiate between types of inclusion for severe disabilities
  • Describe communication systems that facilitate school acceptance of inclusion
  • Examine the legal term Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

Parents, Families, and Cultural Issues for Severe Disabilities

  • Identify components of family, school, and teacher collaboration
  • Examine the importance of social development, relationships, and friendships
  • Analyze issues related to community-based instruction
  • Examine multicultural and bilingual education for students with severe disabilities

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