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College of Education

SPED 607: TEACHING THE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY HANDICAPPED

MODULE 4:
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

TASK NO. 4: Please answer the following comprehensively by citing examples to support
your answer:
1. How did the principle of “Normalization” help the students with intellectual disabilities in terms of
getting the education, treatment and other services they deserve?

Normalization is a principle that was developed in the 1960s as a response to the poor
conditions that people with intellectual disabilities were often subjected to in institutional settings.
The principle of normalization is based on the idea that individuals with disabilities should be
provided with opportunities to live and participate in the same types of activities as non-disabled
individuals.

In terms of education, normalization has helped students with intellectual disabilities by promoting the
idea that they should be included in regular classrooms and provided with the same opportunities for
learning as their non-disabled peers. This has led to the development of inclusive education policies and
practices, which recognize the importance of meeting the diverse needs of all students.

In terms of treatment and other services, normalization has helped to shift the focus away from
segregating people with disabilities and towards providing them with opportunities to live, work, and
participate in their communities. This has led to the development of community-based services and
supports, such as supported living, employment services, and recreational programs.

Overall, the principle of normalization has played a critical role in promoting the rights and opportunities
of people with intellectual disabilities. It has helped to shift the focus away from their deficits and towards
their strengths and abilities, while also promoting the importance of their inclusion in all aspects of
society.

2. As SpEd Teacher, how can you support your students with ID in bringing out their strengths
and abilities despite their limitations?
As a Special Education Teacher, there are several strategies that you can use to support students with
Intellectual Disabilities (ID) in bringing out their strengths and abilities despite their limitations. Here are
some ideas:

1. Use a strength-based approach: Focus on your student's strengths and abilities rather than their
limitations. Recognize and celebrate their achievements and encourage them to build on their
strengths.
2. Set achievable goals: Work with your student to set goals that are challenging but achievable.
Break down larger goals into smaller steps, and celebrate each small success along the way.
3. Use a variety of teaching strategies: Use a variety of teaching strategies to help your student learn,
including visual aids, hands-on activities, and technology. Different students learn in different
ways, so it's important to use a variety of approaches.
4. Encourage independence: Encourage your student to be as independent as possible. Provide
opportunities for them to make choices and decisions, and support them in learning self-help skills
such as dressing, feeding, and grooming.
5. Foster positive relationships: Help your student develop positive relationships with their peers and
with adults. Encourage them to participate in social activities, and provide opportunities for them
to develop friendships.
6. Provide accommodations and modifications: Provide accommodations and modifications to
support your student's learning. This might include providing extra time on tests, using assistive
technology, or modifying assignments to make them more accessible.
7. Involve families and caregivers: Involve your student's families and caregivers in the learning
process. Keep them informed about their child's progress, and work collaboratively with them to
support their child's learning and development.
Remember, every student with ID is unique and may require different strategies and supports. As a
Special Education Teacher, it's important to be flexible and responsive to your student's individual needs
and strengths.

3. Aside from poverty, what other environmental and sociocultural factors should a teacher like you
consider that may have caused your student’s ID?
Intellectual disability (ID) can have various causes, including genetic factors, prenatal and perinatal
factors, and environmental and sociocultural factors. Therefore, as a teacher, it is essential to consider
multiple factors that may have contributed to a student's ID. Some environmental and sociocultural
factors that may cause ID include:

1. Exposure to toxins: Exposure to toxins during pregnancy or in the early years of a child's life can
damage the brain and cause intellectual disability.
2. Malnutrition: Malnutrition during pregnancy or in the early years of a child's life can lead to
intellectual disability.
3. Lack of access to healthcare: Lack of access to healthcare can lead to untreated illnesses,
infections, or injuries that can cause intellectual disability.
4. Cultural practices: Certain cultural practices, such as consanguineous marriages, can increase the
risk of intellectual disability.
5. Neglect and abuse: Neglect and abuse can cause physical, emotional, and cognitive damage that
can lead to intellectual disability.
6. Limited access to education: Limited access to education can result in limited cognitive
stimulation, which can impact intellectual development.
7. Language barriers: Language barriers can prevent children from receiving proper education and
lead to delayed language development, which can impact intellectual development.

As a teacher, it is essential to consider these factors and work with other professionals, such as healthcare
providers and social workers, to support students with intellectual disabilities effectively.

4. How essential is Parental and Community Involvement in the educational journey of students with
Intellectual Disabilities?
5. Parental and community involvement play a crucial role in the educational journey of
students with intellectual disabilities. Students with intellectual disabilities may face
additional challenges in their education, and the involvement of parents and the community
can help provide the necessary support and resources to ensure their success.

6. Parental involvement is important because parents know their children best and can provide
valuable insights to teachers and school administrators. They can also help reinforce
learning at home and provide support for their children's academic and social development.
In addition, parental involvement can help ensure that children with intellectual disabilities
receive appropriate accommodations and services that are tailored to their individual needs.

7. Community involvement is also essential because it provides additional resources and

support for students with intellectual disabilities. Community organizations, such as
advocacy groups, can provide valuable information and resources to parents and teachers.
Local businesses and organizations can also offer work opportunities and job training
programs for students with intellectual disabilities, helping them to prepare for life after
school.

Overall, parental and community involvement is essential in the educational journey of

students with intellectual disabilities. By working together, parents, educators, and
community members can help ensure that these students receive the support and resources
they need to succeed in school and in life.
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