Special Needs Children and education by Erin Stanley

What do ALL of these things have in common????

Did you get it? If you guessed that each of those pictures has something to do with a person with special needs; you are exactly right! Our Nation has been run by a President with polio, Franklin D. Roosevelt. Alexander Graham Bell, and Beethoven were deaf Albert Einstein had aspergers syndrome Thomas Edison was partially deaf, had a learning disability, and was diabetic Henry Ford, and Leonardo Da Vinci were dyslexic

When we hear the world disabled, the vision that pops into our heads is usually an elderly person in a wheelchair that needs help crossing the street. This image is only a stereotype, this is often incorrect. CODI states “An individual is considered to have a “disability” if that individual either (1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of that person’s major life activities, (2) has a record of such impairment, or (3) is regarded by the covered entity as having such an impairment.” The range of disabilities is far greater than most people realize.

CODI gives a list of the categories of disabilities, which include visual impairments, physical impairments, hearing impairments, specific learning disabilities, speech impairments, cardiovascular/circulatory conditions, mental, psychological or personality disorders, blood serum disorders, respiratory disorders, diabetes, and epilepsy.” *** Any of these conditions can affect anyone, at almost any time- in my opinion, the saddest thing is when these conditions affect children.

The early views: screen and segregate Forget and Hide: There have been many different philosophies about children with special needs throughout history. These four theories deal with the coming about, and evolution of Special Education. screen and segregate special education classes were formed but served only as custodial care Forget and Hide: families were encouraged to institutionalize children with disabilities immediately identify and help children are grouped with others with the same disabilities in order to assist their needs better include and support children with special needs are included into “regular” classes and participate in the same school activities as their classmates

A New Day Special Education came about in 1975 when the “landmark legislation of Public Law 94-142 came into place requiring public schools to provide students with a broad range of disabilities - including physical handicaps, mental retardation, speech, vision and language problems, emotional and behavioral problems, and other learning disorders - with a "free appropriate public education." Moreover, it called for school districts to provide such schooling in the "least restrictive environment" possible.” (Pricilla Pardini, “The History of Special Education”).

That’s great but what are the disorders/conditions? As previously stated, the range of disorders that are present in our world is FAR too great to be fully understood by anyone! As far as the education field goes, here are the “big ones”… DOWN SYNDROME: Emotional Disorders: ADHD/ADD: DYSLEXIA: Symptoms include difficulty recognizing letters and words, inability to copy writings from books, or from the classroom blackboard. There is no cure, but therapy can help Symptoms include being unable to focus for normal periods of time, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This disorder is commonly diagnosed. Treatments include medications such as Ritalin. Caused by the presence of part, or all of an extra 21st chromosome. Physical growth, and facial appearance is affected. Often causes mental retardation. Includes disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorders, behavioral disorders, and personality disorders

***Here are some tips for teachers*** Now that special education is recognized as important, many people have realized the value that mainstreaming can have for children with special needs. Teachers of mainstream classes must remember that there will be different difficulties that they will face, and must be prepared to cater to children’s needs. ***Here are some tips for teachers*** -Maintain eye contact during verbal instruction -Make directions clear and concise. -Be consistent with daily instructions - Simplify complex directions. -Avoid multiple commands, -make sure students comprehend the instructions before beginning the task, repeat instructions in a calm, positive manner, if needed, -Help the students feel comfortable with seeking assistance (most children with ADD will not ask for help), - gradually reduce the amount of assistance, but keep in mind that these children will need more help for a longer period of time than the average child”. (Kidsource Online).

The most important thing a teacher can do to successfully run a special education classroom is to love their students, and realize that these children are just as important as “normal” children. Alice Mendoza says “I will be their partner in helping them to meet with success socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. These are their basic needs. These are their basic rights. Together, from the first day of school, we begin establishing our classroom community-- a safe, nurturing and accepting place to be, which enables us all to take risks that facilitate our growth as human beings.” (“A Classroom Where All Students are Learning”). Mel Levine says “It’s normal to be different, learning difficulties signify differences, rather than disabilities” (“All Kinds of Minds”).

So how does this apply to biology?? *Obviously, children are humans- and the study of humans is a large part of biology. *Each of these different disorders affect different genes, cells, or chromosomes. *The tiniest defect in one of these genes, cells, or chromosomes can result in a life-long battle. *Secondly, schooling, and education are extremely Important to anyone that seeks to improve their Intelligence level.

Personal Connection: On my first day of kindergarten, I came home and said “Mom, I am going to be a teacher when I grow up.” To this day, my career goal has not changed. As I have grown, and gone through my schooling, I have learned so much about the field of special education. I have always been so interested in learning about all of the different conditions that can affect a person. One little chromosome can completely change a person’s life. I think being able to understand all of these conditions is a MUST for a teacher, espeically if they are to be involved in a mainstreamed classroom!

SOURCES: http://www.reddisability.org.uk/famous/DisFamScience.htm http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/2008/supnotes/n08.asp www.wikipedia.com www.kidsource.org “All Kinds of Minds” “A Classroom Where All Students are Learning “ Pricilla Pardini, “The History of Special Education” The Exceptional Child, Inclusion in Early Childhood Education, p5-7