All the intellectually disabled have one

thing in common which is the disability Teacher Toolbox

they have. However, they differ in every
other aspect.
The main characteristics of the
intellectually disabled fall under 5
criteria's which are:
Physical characteristics
An underdevelopment in physical growth
Average weight and height usually less
than normal peers of the same
chronological age
Physical deformation
Retarded movement and balance
Providing the proper expectations,
interventions, and supports can
help individuals with special needs
to succeed and learn the skills
they need to lead productive lives.
While this material is based on
techniques that have proven
effective for special needs, the
tips may be of value for
individuals with a range of other
disorders that result in behavior,
social, and learning problems.

Mental characteristics Intellectual Disabilities

Less-than-average I.Q. Adaptive Curriculum
Underdeveloped speech and language
skills
+Poor: memory, attention, perception,
imagination, thinking, computing and
concentration

Social characteristics Information for

Underdeveloped ability of social
adjustment Teachers
Lack of interests and orientations
Irresponsibility
Aloofness PREPARED BY
SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS UNIT
Aggression
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
Low self-esteem

Emotional characteristics
Emotional imbalance
Email: senanubbq@gmail.com
Excessive movement
Evidence of premature or late reactions Tel: 468-3076
Definition:
Intellectual disability is
a disability characterized by significant
limitations both
in intellectual functioning (reasoning,
learning, problem solving) and in adap-
tive behavior, which covers a range of
everyday social and practical skills.
This disability originates before the age
of 18.
People with an intellectual disability
have difficulties in:
•Understanding complex information.
•Using logical thinking to plan ideas and
solve problems.
•Following directions and instructions,
particularly those which involve multiple
steps or complex information.
•Using judgment and abstract thought.
Tips to Assist Makaton is a language programme
using signs and symbols to help people
communicate
Try these tips for working with students
with an intellectual disability:
•Use concrete items and examples to
explain new concepts and provide practice in
existing skill areas.
•Role model desired behaviors, and clearly
identify what behaviors you expect in the
classroom.
•Plan ahead with your class activities.
Use appropriate communication methods
such as Makaton signing for pre verbal
students or those with beginning
language. Other students may enjoy tasks such as
writing up a class activity into a book using a
•Do not overwhelm a student with multiple
program such as PowerPoint. Photos can be
or complex instructions.
inserted and combined with a short sentence
•Use strategies such as chunking, backward or key words about the action in the photo.
shaping and role modeling as helpful Skills and writing styles which can be
teaching approaches. developed include:
•Be explicit about what it is you want a
student to do. •report writing
•Learn about the needs and characteristics •instructional writing
of your student, but do not automatically •creative writing
assume they will behave the same way today •descriptive writing (especially using key
as they did yesterday. words)
•Ask for their input about how they feel •use of adjectives and verbs
they learn best, and help them to be as in •naming of people and places
control of their learning as possible. recall of important events
•Put skills in context so there is a reason
for learning tasks. Website help
Involve families and significant others in Clicker communicator
learning activities, planning and special days,
as well as in informing you about the needs
of their young person.