July 6 Literacy for Students with Low Incidence Disabilities

July 6 

Today in class we discussed literacy for students with low incidence disabilities (defined as ... the rate of occurrence in a school population is very small, can include students with severe autism or who are deaf and/or blind for example). In particular we looked at two case studies presented through the University of North Carolina's School of Medicine. Through the Center for Literacy and Disabilities Studies Karen Erikson addresses the literacy and communication needs of students with severe disabilities, including deaf blindness. 
The two case studies presented show the development and progression over time of two boys' writing and communication skills. The two boys (Jake and Matthew) use various adaptations and assistive technology. They receive a lot of one on one support, they are given time and praise. What is most important is that both boys are presumed competent and are provided with literacy opportunities by their parents and support workers.  It is a team approach.

To see the full case study of each boy click on the links below ...

Jake                                   Matthew

To link to an example of Assistive Technology being used in an Elementary Classroom for writing from the Nova Scotia Department of Education click on this link to see Katelynn's story.

To link to an example of Assistive Technology being used in an Elementary Classroom for reading from the Nova Scotia Department of Education click on this link to see Darcy's story.