Description: This assignment really allowed me to explore some of the disabilities that I have personally worked with as a paraprofessional in more depth. This allowed me to look beyond the broad scope of Orthopedic Impairments but rather hone in on the specifics for each individual. This could provide some insight to future educators on orthopedic impairments in the classroom.

Connection to Illinois Learning Standard 1: This paper allowed me to really explore the academic experiences of those who are orthopedically impaired. This standard refers to linguistics which we normally think of language barriers. In this case linguistics are relevant in the process of learning basic speech functions that have been impacted by an orthopedic impairment. This as stated in knowledge indicator 1C helped me to understand "how teaching and student learning are influenced by development (physical, social and emotional, cognitive, linguistic), past experiences, talents, prior knowledge, economic circumstances and diversity within the community."

Self-evaluation: I really appreciated being able to write this paper and enjoyed learning about orthopedic impairments. I have had some experience as a 1:1 paraprofessional with many of the characteristics that can be obstacles. The opportunity to better educate myself has been very rewarding.

Description: In teaching diverse students it is imperative that we appropriately accommodate and modify for the range of students we may have. This assignment allowed me to explore that further. As any teacher knows, the variety of students we see day to day and year to year is extraordinary. With that being said, it is not only important we know how to modify, but when to modify too.

Connection to Illinois Learning Standard 1: When working on this assignment I was made more aware of the reasoning accommodations and modifications. This paper also assisted me in using different strategies and approaches in assisting diverse students. This helps me to not only help my students with IEP's, 504's, gifted learners, etc. This was specifically connected to performance indicator 1H, "analyzes and uses student information to design instruction that meets the diverse needs of students and leads to ongoing growth and achievement." In turn making this a huge step in preparing me for a classroom with a wide range of abilities and backgrounds.

Self-evaluation: When looking back at this assignment it really helped in guiding me while lesson planning. Especially in business education I am seeing students of all ages, backgrounds, etc. and the need to diversify my lessons has been high demand. To make sure all my students needs are met I need to actively over prepare and being educated in ways to do so was meaningful.