Understanding your Disability

As a special education teacher, I know it is difficult for students to understand why they are receiving special education services or what their disability means. Below I have listed the common disabilities in a resource specialist program and their characteristics.

Specific Learning disability is a common classification for students with processing disorders and learning difficulties.

If a student is classified as having a learning disability then they have either an auditory or visual processing delay.

• Students with Auditory processing delays find it difficult to understand the information when it is presented in a lecture format. Students with an auditory processing delay benefit from having visual aides such as a copy of the notes or models.

• Students with a visual processing delay benefit from auditory aides such as books on tape. They also need more direct instruction.

• Students with ADHD are also placed in a resource specialist program. Students with ADHD have difficulty staying focused and they are easily distracted. Usually, the only thing that may help a student with ADHD is medication yet, there are many parents who chose not to give their child medication. Either way, teachers can help the students in the classroom if they give the student a stimulating activity. Students with ADHD need to find a way to release their energy.  A stress ball can be a tool the students can use to release the energy. Of course, it will only work for some but it is a tool that might work.

In general, every student with a disability will need different resources and accommodations within the classroom. Let me know what tools you have used to help your students with disabilities.