Chapter 12: Integration of General and Special Education

Including Students with Multiple/Severe Disabilities in the General Education Classroom Inclusion – educating students with disabilities among their peers without disabilities to the greatest extent possible Provides all students with the opportunity to participate, learn, and feel a sense of belonging Allows for accommodations

Including Students with Multiple/Severe Disabilities in the General Education Classroom Integration Options: Unadapted Participation in Gen Ed Curriculum Same activities, same objectives, same setting Adaptations to the Gen Curriculum Same activities, different (related) objectives, same setting Embedded Skills Within the Gen Curriculum Similar activities, different (related) objectives, same setting Functional Curriculum in the Gen Ed Classroom Different activities, different (related) objectives, same setting Functional Curriculum Outside Gen Ed Classroom Different activities, different (unrelated) objectives, different setting

Including Students with Multiple/Severe Disabilities in the General Education Classroom Peer Buddy Supports Can be used in aby setting with any activity Inexpensive way to facilitate inclusion Promotes social inclusion of students with disabilities

Including Students with Multiple/Severe Disabilities in the General Education Classroom Technology Students often require use of communication devices ranging from communication boards to voice output devices Teachers must understand their forms of communication Become familiar with device Use device to interact Develop pictures/symbols or record frequently used terms and phrases Use adaptation switches Encourage use of the computer

Including Students with Multiple/Severe Disabilities in the General Education Classroom Adaptations can be used in the following classroom and recreational settings: Writing Reading Computer Physical education Lunch Art Music Floor Activities/Table Activities

Checklist for an Inclusive Classroom Community Checklist for planning classroom instruction and assessment includes several considerations from the following: The atmosphere The environment The community Different resources Reading experiences

Checklist for an Inclusive Classroom Community A good checklist for planning classroom instruction and assessment includes several considerations from the following: Writing experiences Language experiences Media/popular culture Different teaching practices Assessment methods