Multiple disabilities means concomitant impairments (such as intellectual disability-blindness or intellectual disability-orthopedic impairment), the combination of which causes such severe educational needs that they cannot be accommodated in special education programs solely for one of the impairments. Multiple disabilities does not include deaf-blindness.
Given the numerous disability category combinations possible, the designation multiple disabilities encompasses a broad range of traits. However, the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (usually referred to as NICHCY) lists several common characteristics, including hampered speech and communication skills, challenges with mobility and a need for assistance in performing everyday activities. It’s also worth noting that medical conditions such as seizures and “water on the brain” (hydrocephalus) can accompany multiple disabilities.
Without a doubt, the aforementioned traits can create numerous educational challenges. For instance, a student prone to seizures raises safety concerns inside a classroom. Other common educational challenges revolve around the following issues:
Finding a setting suitable to the child’s intelligence level
A child’s ability to effectively communicate with teachers, support staff and peers
A student’s capability to function in the classroom
Assessing and compensating for visual or hearing impairments
Staying mindful about medical conditions can assist with classroom placement, as can being aware of a student’s intelligence level. Assistive technology (AT) and alternative communication methods, including text-to-speech technologies, hearing aids and sign language, can neutralize communication problems.
Physical therapy and occupational therapy can ease physical challenges, and in turn, they can improve a student’s ability to function inside the classroom. Assistive technology and special education aids can be helpful as well. Meanwhile, an assigned aid can provide assistance in cases in which functioning independently is difficult or impossible.
Finally, solutions ranging from priority seating to alternative textbooks (braille, audio, etc.) to hearing aids and sign language can compensate for visual and hearing impairments. A closer look at the specific disability categories which comprise a student’s multiple disabilities can supply further suggestions for overcoming educational challenges.