Assistive Technology to Help Students With Disabilities

This chapter reviews some of the low-tech as well as the high-tech devices available for a wide variety of students with special learning needs. A history of assistive technology devices is explored and defined. Assistive technology has increased in use in recent decades due to accessibility of computers and the digital age. Digital devices such as hand held scanners, online learning environments, and digital resources have changed the educational experiences for students with special needs and disabilities. In response, teacher in-service programs and ongoing professional development programs need to be involved to understand and develop appropriate 21st-century learning opportunities and curricula. Future trends, such as virtual reality (VR) environments, allow opportunities for safe, effective learning. To assist in understanding and choosing the appropriate devices, multiple resources, such as global and national organizations, and online resources are provided.

Culturally Responsive Social-Emotional Learning

Culturally responsive teaching (CRT), social-emotional learning (SEL), and positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) are powerful, evidence-based approaches to teaching and supporting students. Special educators and related professionals often use an integrated approach that draws from all three perspectives. However, scholarly researchers and professional development providers too often present each approach in isolation. This chapter proposes an integrated model of classroom and behavior management theories and practices, seeking to promote equity, cultural responsiveness, and social-emotional wellness. A review of pertinent research will be offered, followed by a series of real-world case example vignettes illustrating how special educators and rehabilitation professionals have integrated CRT, SEL, and PBIS in their work with students from PreK through high school.

A Case Study on Strengthening the Link Between Psychometrics, Assessment, and Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A comprehensive childhood evaluation is a fundamental feature of rehabilitation. This process relies on the collection of quality data including that obtained from psychometric instruments, such as tests and scales, family interviews, and natural observations. Therefore, an evidence-based assessment counts on the interface of using psychometrically valid and reliable instruments, in addition to understanding data gathered from other sources of information. This chapter provides an overview of the key features of psychometric testing applied to childhood assessment. A case study is presented to link the psychometric instruments and its clinical utility within the assessment framework. To better accomplish this goal, this chapter is split into three sections: i. key features of psychometrics and its tools; ii. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); iii. a case study to link both topics.

Effective Pedagogical Practices in Inclusive Classrooms for Students With Disabilities

Inclusive education means educating students with special needs in an age-appropriate general education setting where students receive high-quality, standard-based instructions, interventions, and support that enable them to experience success in the general education classroom. Effective pedagogical practices involve the collaboration of both special education teacher and general education teacher to identify and implement effective teaching practices which enhance student engagement and promote higher-order thinking skills. Special education teacher supports the general education teacher in adapting curriculum and teaching methods, modifying assessments, and providing accommodations to students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms. Effective pedagogical practices are affected by teacher's belief; students' disabilities; and their roles and responsibilities towards the students with disabilities. This chapter examines previous researches and studies that investigate effective pedagogical practices in inclusive classrooms for students with disabilities.

The Development of Special Education and Inclusion in Taiwan

This chapter provides an example from Asia for professionals interested in how culturally responsive education systems have been established for people with disabilities. The chapter begins with the history of special education in Taiwan, continues with the characteristics of the current special education system, and ends with discussion of issues and future development. Readers will find the history and the special education system developed from point to line and then to plane, to form a holistic, comprehensive model. The government, scholars, and parents together have contributed to the Special Education System. The system was influenced primarily by the US and Japan, but also stemmed from the unique Taiwanese culture itself. In addition, the author described different special education teacher training stages and the demands of higher standards of teacher training programs and the necessity for substantial changes. Finally, the authors identified three issues and trends for future development: service extension to both ends, service quality, and evidence-based practices.

Youth-Centered Transition Planning for Students With Disabilities Who Experience Foster Care

Youth with disabilities who experience foster care (YDFC) often experience poor long-term adult outcomes. However, when educators help them access appropriate services and supports YDFC can reach their maximum potential. This chapter describes a youth-centered approach to transition planning for this vulnerable population and highlights essential elements to consider during the process such as disability, mental health, trauma, resilience, self-determination, culture, and how trauma impacts mental health. The chapter concludes with an example of creating a youth-centered plan, possible tools to use, and additional resources.

A Closer Look at Supporting Elementary Students With Autism in School

While the educational criteria to be a person impacted by autism will always evolve, implementing educational best practices with fidelity significantly improves the likelihood of a student with autism succeeding in school. This chapter presents a brief overview of the educational criteria for an autism eligibility using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), a comparison of common characteristics or developmental milestones for typically developing elementary students and students with autism, a summary of standard best practices for elementary students with autism. The chapter provides a few examples of how these best practices can be applied across grade and inclusion-level categories.

Adapted Physical Education in the Special Education Process

Adapted physical education (APE) services have the same overall objectives as general physical education; however, adapted physical educators should implement accommodations and modifications to personalize the programs to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities. Because of the high levels of health disparity for people with disabilities, as well as cognitive and socio-emotional benefits associated with physical activity and exercise, it is crucial that students with disabilities receive high-quality APE programming. To give the readers a broad overview of APE and how it should be implemented, this chapter covers the following topics: physical education and physical literacy, the benefits of physical education and exercise for students with disabilities, federal laws in relation to physical education for students with disabilities, the role of adapted physical educators in interdisciplinary team approaches within the individualized education program process, and highlighting specialized teaching strategies and specialized equipment for students with disabilities.

The How, What, Why, and When of Teaching Mathematics in the K-12 Inclusive Classroom

Research has shown that a better understanding of mathematics education in the K-12 classrooms with an emphasis on meeting the needs of students with mathematics difficulties in an inclusive setting is crucial. Unfortunately, there is limited literature available for teachers, parents, and educators to prepare them for teaching mathematics in an inclusion setting. This chapter provides an in-depth discussion on how students' understanding and mathematical thinking, reasoning, and sense directly correlate to achievement in mathematics courses, higher-level academic courses, and in-career opportunities. This chapter provides researchers, scholars, educators, parents, and students an invaluable resource and deeper insight for understanding how effective mathematics instruction can benefit all students in an inclusive classroom.

Culturally Responsive Response to Intervention Instruction and Rehabilitation (RTIIR) Practices in Public Schools Using MTSS

The adoption and use of Response to Intervention (RTI) has been recognized as a resource for all schools to use to adequately identify a learning disability. Today, public schools have found success by adopting RTI as a preventative and intervention method of assessment and pre-referral to address the misidentification and over-representation of students considered in need of special education. Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) has also become one of the most widely utilized systems that works in partnership with RTI to address social and emotional needs of students, while at the same time intervening where there are academic deficiencies and areas of weakness overall. Youth with, or at-risk for, emotional and behavioral disorders have severe deficits in their academic functioning. This chapter posits the use of RTI as a larger framework of rehabilitative intervention using MTSS as a culturally responsive tool to address the social, emotional, and clinical needs of students.