Communicating with families Use people-first language by referring to the person before referring to the disability or diagnosis; for example, “student with autism” instead of “autistic student.” Use family-supportive language to acknowledge the different forms that family constellations can take. Eliminate jargon by using familiar and understandable language; if you must use acronyms, be sure… Read more Conducting Family-Friendly Research
Category: Families/Caregivers
Enhancing Literacy Instruction for Students With Intellectual Disabilities
Current research in reading instruction indicates that children with intellectual disabilities (ID) can obtain higher reading levels than previously believed. Improved reading abilities can lead to independence, employment, and an improved sense of well-being in adults. The following 10 research-based tips are ideas educators and IEP teams should consider as they are planning literacy instruction… Read more Enhancing Literacy Instruction for Students With Intellectual Disabilities
Employment and Individuals With Disabilities
Why Employment Matters Having a job can provide a person with a path toward independence and financial self-sufficiency. It can create a sense of purpose and be a means by which to connect with the community. Employment is associated with fewer behavior problems and better mental health outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities… Read more Employment and Individuals With Disabilities
Emergency Preparedness for Individuals with Hearing Loss: A Family Guide
Why is emergency preparedness for individuals with hearing loss important? From a natural disaster to unexpected emergencies in the home, the need to plan, practice, and store away information and materials specific for someone with hearing loss is important. During an emergency, planning for the communication needs of someone with a hearing loss might help… Read more Emergency Preparedness for Individuals with Hearing Loss: A Family Guide
Down Syndrome
What causes Down syndrome? Individuals with Down syndrome usually have an extra copy of chromosome 21. Although some cases may have a slightly different cause, all cases involve chromosome 21. Down syndrome occurs in about 1 in every 700 to 1,000 births. The chance of giving birth to a baby with Down syndrome increases if… Read more Down Syndrome
Helping People With Intellectual Disabilities Cope With Loss
Individuals with intellectual disabilities experience grief when they lose a loved one just like everyone else. Common misconceptions People with intellectual disabilities don’t understand or can’t comprehend death. People with intellectual disabilities don’t show grief, therefore experience no grief. Talking about it would be too upsetting for him/her. We now understand People with intellectual disabilities… Read more Helping People With Intellectual Disabilities Cope With Loss
Children’s Mental Health
Children’s mental health is the overall wellness of children’s thinking, mood, and feeling. It affects children’s ability to relate to others and complete daily tasks. Some common children’s mental health problems include depression, anxiety, and behavior disorders. Mental health problems are often harder to spot than physical health problems. Paying close attention to your child’s… Read more Children’s Mental Health
Building a Home-School Partnership
Children do their best when they have the skills, support, and motivation to do so. By collaborating with your child’s school, you increase opportunities for your child to get the support they need in each of these areas. A home-school partnership capitalizes on your child’s skills, your knowledge of your child, and educators’ knowledge of… Read more Building a Home-School Partnership
Williams Syndrome
What causes Williams syndrome? Individuals with Williams syndrome usually are missing a small piece of chromosome 7. This rare genetic disorder occurs spontaneously in 1 out of every 7, 500 births. It is not a result of an inherited characteristic from the parents. First recognized in 1961, Williams syndrome affects males and females at equal… Read more Williams Syndrome
CHARGE Syndrome
CHARGE syndrome is thought to be caused by a mutation in the gene CHD7on chromosome #8. It occurs in 1 out of every 10,000 births and is not thought to be inherited. CHARGE syndrome affects males and females at equal rates and has been diagnosed in all ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. What are the effects… Read more CHARGE Syndrome