Teacher Strategies: Orthopedic Impairment
Strategies for Curriculum and Instruction:
The best practices to apply when teaching a student with an orthopedic impairment is to teach using sense that has not been affected by his/her disability. This will allow students to be able to experience the process of learning and be able to attain new information in method that is comfortable. Educators need to be aware of the students’ physical limitations and proactively enable classroom accommodations suitable for his/her needs.
Accommodations
- Ensuring enough room for the student to move freely or sit comfortably in the classroom
- Focusing instruction that helps to develop their motor and gross skills
- Utilizing appropriate communication and assistive devices.
- Taping lectures/class discussions.
- Being aware of a student’s medical condition, how it affects the student, and accommodating their specific needs.
- Securing suitable augmentative communication and other assistive devices
- Awareness of medical condition and its affect on the student (such as getting tired quickly)
- Working with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other various therapists to develop an education program beneficial to the student.
Inclusive Practices
- Peer/buddy system
- Arrange additional personnel to assist the student in the classroom
- Use alternate exercises
- Allow more time for homework/class work completion
- Attain assistive devices
- Ensure easy access for student materials
- Include the student
- Use ramps when necessary
- Lower the dry erase board
- Use visual, audible, or tactile cues
Assistive Technology
- Screen reading software
- Speech recognition software
- Communication devices
- Specialized exercise equipment
- Specialized chairs, desks, tables, etc.
http://edie502.wikispaces.com/Orthopedic++Impairments