Why a Postsecondary Education? A postsecondary education can open a whole new world for people both with and without disabilities. The college experience allows one to broaden one’s interests, establish and pursue one’s goals, and form life-long friendships. In addition to a college education allowing for the possibility of a higher paying job, the social… Read more Postsecondary Education for Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities
Tag: tip sheet
Trauma and Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
What is trauma? Trauma is understood as experiences or situations that are emotionally painful and distressing. Trauma can overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope, leaving him or her to feel powerless. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) describe traumatic experiences in a person’s life occurring before the age of 18. Examples of traumatic events that can have… Read more Trauma and Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Why Take Part in Research
What is research and why is it important? Research is investigating a subject to discover new information, or to revise existing information. It allows us to better understand ourselves and the world around us. In the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities research, such inquiry can aid in understanding the role of genetics in development,… Read more Why Take Part in Research
Token Economy (for teachers)
What is a Token Economy? Token economies are based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and emphasize the use of positive reinforcement to target behavior change. Token economies help students to visualize progress, accept and work for delayed reinforcement, learn to self-monitor, and learn to regulate behavior. Developing a Token Economy When developing… Read more Token Economy (for teachers)
Children and Stuttering (for parents)
What Is Stuttering? According to the Stuttering Foundation, stuttering occurs when the flow of speech is broken by repetitions (li-li-like this), prolongations (lllllike this), or abnormal stoppages (no sound) of sounds and syllables. Unusual facial and body movements amy also be associated with the effort to speak. What Causes Stuttering? While the exact causes of… Read more Children and Stuttering (for parents)
Supporting Students with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (for teachers)
What are Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (E/BD)? The term emotional or behavioral disorders (E/BD) refers to a variety of conditions and symptoms that impair the learning, social functioning, safety, and behavioral health of children or adolescents. E/BD may occur in conjunction with a variety of other developmental disabilities, and when their presence leads to eligibility… Read more Supporting Students with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (for teachers)
Teaching Stranger Safety Skills to Children and Adults With Disabilities
Why Do Children and Adults With Disabilities Need To Learn Safety Skills? Compared to people without disabilities, individuals with disabilities are at increased risk of experiencing abuse, being taken advantage of or bullied, and being kidnapped. It is important for individuals with disabilities to be aware of potential dangers and to learn skills that protect… Read more Teaching Stranger Safety Skills to Children and Adults With Disabilities
How to Write a Social Story™ (for teachers)
Social Stories™ are effective methods to provide guidance and directions for responding to various types of social situations. The stories are used to describe social situations specific to individuals and circumstances while promoting self-awareness, self-calming, and self-management. Social Stories™ are not meant to change behavior; rather, they are meant to clarify social expectations. They may… Read more How to Write a Social Story™ (for teachers)
Siblings of Individuals with Disabilities (for parents)
How will my children relate to one another? Sibling relationships are often the longest-lasting relationships that your children form. Like all brothers or sisters, they may or may not develop close emotional relationships depending on individual differences and circumstances. Regardless, a child’s reaction to a sibling with a disability will have a lasting effect on… Read more Siblings of Individuals with Disabilities (for parents)
Rett Syndrome
Rett syndrome is a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder that is defined by: apparently typical development in the first 6 months of life, a period of developmental regression followed by stabilization, loss of spoken language, problems with walking, loss of purposeful hand use, and distinctive repetitive, hand movements (hand stereotypies). Rett syndrome primarily affects girls and women… Read more Rett Syndrome