Characteristic and Causes Paper
I had the pleasure of doing intensive research on Intellectual Disabilities with a focus on Down Syndrome. The artifact provides a view on how intellectual disabilities were viewed in the past years compared to present day view. In addition, this article is to educate that an individual with an intellectual disability has certain limitations in cognitive functioning and skills, including communication, social and self care skills. As an educator it's my job to understand the diverse characteristic and abilities of each student and being able to support them. I believe that everyone has the capacity to push past the perceived limits and accomplish great things. Sometimes we choose to focus on the diverse abilities of those who are at times defined by their disabilities. A person with an intellectual disability has the same same kinds of feelings, passions, and struggles that you do. There may be more common ground than you think.
As an educators we must 1D) "understand the impact of cognitive, emotional, physical, and sensory disabilities on learning and communication pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act". A child with an intellectual disability can do well in school but is likely to need individualized help that is available as special education and related services. It's important that students with intellectual disabilities be involved and make progress in the general ed curriculum. The level of help and supports for the student will depend upon the degree of intellectual disability involved. It's important that student with intellectual disabilities be involved in, and make progress in the general education curriculum. Thats the same curriculum that is learned by those without disabilities.
Throughout my research I have learned that I can make an enormous difference in a students life, by deeply looking into their strengths and interests. Most importantly I found the impact that advocating and fighting for equality has in your students life. It has been proven through much research that individuals living with an intellectual disability can thrive in society just like anyone else. It is important that we become fearless and strive to provide proper supports for our students. It's important as educators to recognize that we can make an enormous difference in our students lives. It's our job to find out what the students strengths and interest are, and emphasize them. Therefore we are creating opportunities for success not failure.
The strategies artifact goes into depth on how we as teachers can provide different strategies to fulfill the needs of those with Intellectual disabilities. It goes into explanation on the importance of modifications and accommodations and how they can be applied into the classroom. As future educators and possible parents of a child with an ID, it’s important to advocate and fight for equality for all students. The artifacts strongly represent the meaning of being a competent teacher and understanding the diverse characteristics and abilities of each student and how differently individuals develop and learn. It is important as a teacher to be aware of a student backgrounds to create opportunities for a successful learning experience.
As educators we must 1H) "analyze and use student information to design instruction that meets the diverse needs of students and leads to ongoing growth and achievement". In my strategies artifact we look into the varieties of ways we can supplement aids and services to our students. Given that intellectual disabilities affect learning, it is crucial to provide supports students with intellectual disabilities in the classroom. Supplementary aids and services are supports that may include instruction, personnel, equipment, or other accommodations that enable children with disabilities to be educated with those living without a disability to the maximum extent appropriate.
In this journey of becoming a future teacher I have fears along the way , always wondering if I will be enough for my students. However through this research I have learned that I have to work and persevere to be what my students need me to be every day. As teachers we are our students advocates and we are their support when no one else is. It's important as a teacher that we become fearless and strive to provide the proper supports our students need regardless of the levels of differences. I've learned that allowing individuals to try out a range of options and experiences encourages choice. As an educator we must listen and support the individual to follow through with their goals. These strategies and supports help the individual reach their goals. The supports should be carefully analyzed and chosen, they should not be chosen because they make life easier for the educator or support team.