Supporting students with intellectual disabilities

Supporting students with intellectual disabilities

The suggestions outlined in this chapter are aimed at assisting educators to understand the characteristics of intellectual disabilities and the potential impact of having an intellectual disability on an individual's learning and development. In addition, a central aim of the information included is to introduce readers to the importance of designing optimal learning environments and using effective evidence-based teaching practices that fit the learner's strengths and challenges. In an effort to raise educators' awareness of the importance of developing meaningful skills and behaviours in the lives of children and youth with intellectual disabilities in their classrooms, this chapter also aims to introduce both undergraduate and graduate student teachers to the design, delivery and evaluation of functional and academic programs for students with an intellectual disability across all learning environments. Finally, it is important to note that all the teaching strategies and approaches to learning outlined in this chapter have been built upon sound cognitive and behavioural learning theories.

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