Physical Disabilities, Health Impairments, and ADHD

Disabilities, Health Impairments, and Attention Deficit Disorder

A. Description

As defined by IDEA, the term "child with a disability" means a child: "with mental retardation, hearing impairments (including deafness), speech or language impairments, visual impairments (including blindness), serious emotional disturbance, orthopedic impairments, autism, traumatic brain injury, other health impairments, or specific learning disabilities; and who, by reason thereof, needs special education and related services." IDEA refers to physical disabilities as orthopedic impairment, and in C.F.R. Sec 300.7 states: "Orthopedic impairment means a severe orthopedic impairment that adversely affects a child's educational performance. The term includes impairments caused by congenital anomaly (e.g. clubfoot, absence of some member, etc.), impairments cause by disease (e.g., poliomyelitis, bone tuberculosis, etc.), and impairments from other causes (e.g., cerebral palsy, amputations and fractures or burns that cause contractures). Health Impairments means having limited strength, vitality or alertness, including a heightened alertness to environmental stimuli, that results in limited alertness with respect to the educational environment, that is due to chronic or acute health problems such as asthma, attention deficit disorder or philia, lead poisoning, leukemia, nephritis, rheumatic fever, and sickle cell anemia; and adversely affects a child’s educational performance. Student frequently miss school because of their health problems. Attention Deficit Disorder (AD/HD) -hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition which causes its sufferers to have extreme difficulty focusing, paying attention and controlling their behavior. It affects both children and adults, but is more prevalently diagnosed in children. Treatment for ADHD typically includes a drug regiment of psychostimulants. Instances of ADHD have steadily been on the rise, reaching what some consider alarming numbers. ADHD is a continual source of controversy not only because of its treatment plan but also due to the methods used for diagnosis. Hyperactive students are always on the go. As he or she gets older, the level of activity may go down. These children also act before they think.

B. Implications of teaching in each area of disability and modifications of teaching approaches-

Students with learning disabilities constitute the largest percentage of students (about 50%) served in special education. Clearly, the predominant problem for students with learning disabilities is academic. As a group they are not risk takers when it comes to academics. They often avoid asking questions and participating in class activities. As a regular education teacher I can best serve these students by varying instruction during lecture, small group, discussion, academic activities, and evaluation. Explicit instruction is often needed for students to learn main concepts. I can consult the special education teacher for specific educational goals and recommendations regarding instructional strategies and accommodations. This is of course needed when working with any student identified as having a disability and who has an IEP. Peer tutoring is strategy that has been successfully used to improve socialization and academic performance of students with learning disabilities. I will also as a regular education teacher use cooperative learning activities to provide disabled students opportunities to practice social skills while working on academic tasks. It is safe to assume that students with physical disabilities will have a vast support network to help them, including resource help, physical therapy, and an aid in the classroom.

If the student is unable to communicate verbally, they may use either a speech board, or a computer like object with a synthesized voice to help them to communicate. These devises are usually manipulated by the child pointing to a word or a symbol. If the student has poor muscle control, they may require aid in writing. These aids can vary from splints to help brace the hands or arms to typewriters and computers. The child may or may not be able to participate in a traditional physical education program. If not, a modified program that focuses on developing control of the body and motor skills may be substituted. But again, it is important to include the student in as many traditional classroom activities as possible. Self care skills should also be taught to the students. This is to aid the students in becoming more independent. Special care should also be taken to aid the students in developing socialization skills. As the regular education teacher I will have the responsibility to educate the rest of the class. A physical disability should not be ridiculed, nor is it something to be ashamed of. The regular education teacher must make the other students aware that each one of them is different, and part of life is accepting everybody's differences. ADHD in the classroom and how do I get a kid who won’t settle down and listen? The answer: with a lot of patience, creativity, and consistency. As a regular education teacher, my role is to evaluate each child’s individual needs and strengths. I can develop strategies that will help students with ADD/ADHD focus, stay on task, and learn to their full capabilities.

Successful programs for children with ADHD integrate the following three components:
• Accommodations: what you can do to make learning easier for students with ADD/ADHD.
• Instruction: the methods you use in teaching.
• Intervention: How you head off behaviors that disrupt concentration or distract other students.
As a regular elementary educator the most effective tool, however, in helping a student with ADD/ADHD is a positive attitude. Make the student my partner by saying, “Let’s figure out ways together to help you get your work done.” Assure the student that you’ll be looking for good behavior and quality works, and when you see it, reinforce it with immediate and sincere praise. Finally, look for ways to motivate a student with ADD/ADHD by offering rewards on a point or token system.

c. Technology-

Speech-language pathologists- provide speech therapy, language interventions, and oral motor coordination
Adapted physical educators- provide physical education activities designed to meet the individual’s needs.
Recreation therapists- who provide instruction in leisure activities and therapeutic recreation.

Mobility Impairments

• adjustable tables
• keyboard modifications
• keyboard guards and layouts
• alternative keyboard and mice
• Internet resources/services
• electronic mail
• Internet accessible services/resources
• hardware / software
• easy / difficult to implement
• easy / difficult to use
• inexpensive / expensive
• general / unique
• stand alone / networked

d. Reference-

Exceptional Chilren by William L. Heward
Including All Students by Ben Clay
http://www.naset.org/2278.0.html
Physical Disabilities in the classroom (specialed.about.com)
http://specialed.about.com/od/physicaldisabilities/Physical_Disabilities.htm
http://www.washington.edu/doit/CareerN/adaptive.html