Multiple Disabilities The IDEA Definition is as follows, concomitant (simultaneous) impairments (such as intellectual disability/blindness, intellectual disability/orthopedic impairment, etc.), the combination of which causes such severe educational needs that they cannot be accommodated in a special education program solely for one of the impairments. (This term does not include deaf-blindness). Common characteristics of children with Multiple Disabilities- Children typically share deficits in five distinct areas of development: 1. Intellectual functioning 2. Adaptive skills 3. Motor skills 4. Sensory functioning 5. Communication skills. Learning Strategies: There are two types of useful assistance for children with Multiple Disabilities: 1). Technological Assistance- Most students with Multiple Disabilities have some deficits in cognitive processing. But the ability levels can vary widely. There are various assistive technologies that can help students with communication deficits. These aids include amplification (through handheld personal devices and hearing aids), and hand held personal computers to help aid the student's communication. ‘Also Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is any system designed to support the communication of any individual, this includes sign language, tangible and tactile symbol systems, choice boards, object prompts and symbols, physical modeling and prompting, and numerous computer assistive programs. 2). Peer Assistance- The usefulness and mutually beneficial process of peer tutoring, if done well, cannot be understated. Both the child with Multiple Disabilities and the child without a disability can gain from a relationship. Best Advics ‘Treat each child as an individual and do not have preconceived expectations about what a child can and cannot do. Speak to the child, the child’s parents, and anyone else who has worked with and interacted with the child. Rachel Vashisth September 30, 2014 Marr 605Multiple Disabilities Additional Resources: + www.projectidealonline.ora This website is a treasure trove of information and ideas for assisting children and families of children with Multiple Disabilities (and other learning impairments). * www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/multiple/ This is a very comprehensive site for information. * www.specialeducationquide.com This guide has resources for school and some general life aspects for helping families and children with Multiple Disabilities + There are various Parent Support Groups for children with disabilities. ‘These groups would be eager to welcome educators looking for tips to support a child in his or her classroom. Many Disabilities are represented in resource websites: + www.mda.ora Website for information & resources regarding Muscular Dystrophy * www.cerebralpalsy.org Website for information & resources regarding Cerebral Palsy + http://orthopedicimpairments.weebly.com/for-teachers. html Website created for teachers introducing orthopedic impairment Rachel Vashisth ~~ September 30, 2014 Marr 4ne