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Defined by significant cognitive deficits in functional and adaptive skills.

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Intellectual disability is characterized and identified by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior

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- Language development
- Problem solving
- Planning
- Abstract thinking
- Judgement

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- Conceptual, social and practical skills that are used in everyday life:
- Practice of good hygiene
- Managing money
- Following school rules
- Making friends
- Avoiding danger

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- IQ range of 50 - 69
- Social immaturity
- Having issues with learning how to talk (but communicates well once they learn)
- Fair amount of issues with reading and writing
- Benefits from specialized education plans
- Able to be independent
- 85% of cases

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- IQ range of 35-49
- Issues with learning basic reading, writing and counting skills
- Generally not self-sufficient enough to live on their own
- Occasionally may have physical issues
- Slow communication skills
- 10% of cases

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- IQ less than 34
- Can be diagnosed shortly after birth
- Noticeable motor impairment
- Minimal reading and writing skills
- restricted ability for personal care
- physical issues
- 5% of cases

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- Interviews
- Observations
- Standard test (IQ Test)

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- Average score is 100
- Scores below 75-70 are considered to be low intellectual functioning
- Many different forms of an IQ exam
- Typically a multiple-choice exam
- Should be administered by a licensed psychologist
- Measures ability to understand concepts and problem solve

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- Education program specifically created for a child that needs specialized instruction or services
- The first step in attaining an IEP for students is having an evaluation to help the school gain more knowledge on an individuals strengths and weaknesses
- The school and parents will then work together to create a plan that is individualized to the student and focuses on improving and building skills

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Since there are different levels of functioning for ID, there are different types of instruction...

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Since there are different levels of functioning for ID, there are different types of instruction...

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- Emphasis on basic everyday life skills
- Time, money and counting concepts
- Independent living skills
- Recreational activities
- Community access

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- Hands on program that is located within the student's community
- How to apply the skills learned in the classroom in a community setting
- Focuses on how to help the student live independently
- EX. Applying math skills to spending money when shopping

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- Emphasizes the goal of meeting the students grade level standards
- Basic standard for what students should know
- Reading, writing and math skills

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- Small task oriented
- Instructions are clearly read over for the student and are reread if needed
- Instructions are also simplified
- Text to speech accommodations: students have the opportunity to read directions and passages while listening to the instruction or passage
- Interpreter
- Education aides
- Direct instruction
- A helping teacher

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- Student can be relocated to a quieter setting if needed
- Student may be provided with headphones to reduce dissertations
- Resource: a class that may only have 1-2 students who are receiving special education services

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- Visuals/gestures
- Tape recorder
- Scribe/proctor

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- Templates
- Graphic organizers
- Test booklet vs bubble sheet

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- Breaks
- Multiple sessions
- Flexible scheduling
- Time extensions

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It is important to implement strategies that address the needs of the individual. We recommend that you apply these strategies across home, school, and community contexts.
Go to the Site Map for a full list of resources and activities!

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picture exchange communication system cards

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Do2Learn: Educational Resources for Special Needs

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picture communication cards, songs, games and learning activities for autism, aspergers, fetal alcohol syndrome and disabilities

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- Clearly identify what behaviors are acceptable in the classroom
- Be consistent in rules and expectations
- Create a "cool down area"
- Practice and teach coping strategies
- Make sure to use language to describe feelings
- Identify a specific behavior problem and create a plan to reduce the unwanted behavior

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- Provide frequent opportunities for the student to gain social experience
- Involve student in group activities
- Directly teach the student social skills (social distancing, turn taking & reciprocal conversations)
- Explain rationale/rules behind social exchanges
- Paraphrase back to the child what he/she said

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- Monitor the seating arrangement in the class room
- Ensure that the student has a way to express their wants and needs appropriately
- Model targeted skills and then provide the student with practice opportunities
- Minimize distractions for the student
- Specifically comment and describe what the student is doing
- Teach other students to disregard and ignore attention-seeking behaviors

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Project IDEAL is a program intended to help teachers better prepare themselves when working with students with a disability. This website has a variety of modules and videos teachers can use to work better with their students who have an intellectual disability. This resource could be helpful to teachers nationwide because it is easily accessible.

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Intellectual Disabilities - Project IDEAL

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Defining, characteristics, impact on learning, and teaching strategies for intellectual disabilities.

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This website gives teachers different tools they can use to assist a student with a learning or intellectual disability. The teachers at the state level could use this resource to better the education of students with an intellectual disability in North Carolina.

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contributed by Brian Neese, Alvernia University

Assistive technology tools are among the least 'celebrated' but most crucial tools in K-12 education today.

According to the National Education Association (NEA), the number of U.S. students enrolled in special education programs has risen 30 percent over the past 10 years. Additionally, the NEA reports that nearly every general education classroom in the country includes students with disabilities, as three out of every four students with disabilities spend part or all of their school day in a general education classroom.

One tool to help students with disabilities even in the face of a special education teacher shortage is assistive technology. Today, assistive technology tools can help students with certain disabilities learn more effectively. Ranging in sophistication from 'low' technologies such as a graphic organizer worksheet to 'high' technologies including cutting-edge software and smartphone apps, assistive technology is a growing and dynamic field. Several areas of assistive technology and sample products may be found in any given classroom, making a difference in how students of all abilities learn.

See also 30 Examples Of Assistive Technology In The Classroom
Background On Assistive Needs & Supporting Technology Assistive Technology Module
This isn't a tech tool but a short kind of 'course' that offers an overview of assistive technology (AT) and explores ways to expand students' access to it in the classroom

Assistive Technology Act (AT Act)

A summary of the Assistive Technology Act and its consequences for educators.
AEM Student Summary Worksheet
A resource that, for example, helps teachers "think about whether the student 1) can gain information from print-based educational materials used across the curriculum by all students, 2) needs materials in a specialized format, or 3) needs modified content or alternative materials."
Text-To-Speech Assistive Tools
As an assistive technology, text-to-speech (TTS) software is designed to help children who have difficulties reading standard print. Common print disabilities can include blindness, dyslexia or any type of visual impairment, learning disability or other physical condition that impedes the ability to read. However, other students can benefit from TTS technology, such as children that have autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or an intellectual disability.

The technology works by scanning and then reading the words to the student in a synthesized voice, using a large number of speech sounds that make up words in any given context. With the advances in speech synthesis, TTS technology is more accurate and lifelike than ever.
Tech Matrix
Search a database of nearly 400 products using extensive criteria tailored to assistive and educational technologies.
Kurzweil 3000
The Kurzweil 3000 is a leader in TTS software for individuals that struggle with literacy. In addition to a range of TTS features, the full-featured software program integrates abilities that can help students in other areas, potentially appealing to those who may have a non-print disability or those who may not typically consider a TTS program. Some of the features include:

* Multiple TTS voices

* Support for 18 languages and dialects

* Talking spell-checker

* Picture dictionary graphics for more than 40,000 words

* Text magnification

* Tools for test taking, essay writing, note-taking, reference and more

The Kurzweil 3000 strives to provide students with a multi-sensory approach to literacy learning. It is available for Windows and Macintosh.

Graphic organizers can be effective in helping students to organize their thoughts during the writing process. As an assistive technology, graphic organizers can be a strong choice for students with dysgraphia or disorders of written expressions - particularly the conceptual aspects of writing.

Graphic organizers work by helping the student map out a course of action. Depending on the type of writing, the graphic organizer can prompt the writer to describe an object, chart out a course of events or perform some other task that can help in planning the piece. Graphic organizers vary by type and technological sophistication.
Low-Tech Handouts
Graphic organizers do not need to be technologically advanced; in fact, they can exist in simple handout form.

Sample handouts can be found at the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company. The sandwich chart can assist students with paragraph writing. The sequence chart can help with narrative writing and the ordering of events. The sense chart is designed for descriptive writing, where writers are prompted for terms that characterize and express an item. Dozens of other sample charts exist and can help students with virtually any type of writing.
Draft:Builder
Draft:Builder is a writing tool that integrates outlining, note taking and draft writing functions to break down the writing process into three steps. Using a graphical organizer, the program helps the student visualize the project and insert information into the appropriate place without having to conceptualize the whole process. It then automates the process of creating the paper, where the student can drag and drop what is written in each note to the rough draft.

Other features include a talking spell checker that uses TTS technology, a bibliography tool, a dictionary and the ability for teachers to add locked text into the program for further guidance. Draft:Builder is available for Windows and Macintosh.
Assistive Listening Systems
A variety of assistive listening systems, or hearing assistive technology, can help students who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those with other auditory and learning problems. According to the National Association for the Deaf, assistive listening systems can be used to enhance the reach and effectiveness of hearing aids and cochlear implants, or by children who do not need those tools but still need help hearing. Assistive listening systems use a microphone, a type of transmission technology and a device for capturing and bringing the sound to the ear. The specific transmission technology used in the system is typically what contrasts one type of assistive listening system from another.
FM Systems
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), FM systems are the best choice for children with sensorineural hearing loss. The most common type of hearing loss for all ages, sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the inner ear (cochlea) or nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain are damaged.

FM systems work using radio broadcast technology. With a transmitter microphone and a receiver, the teacher and student can maintain a consistent sound level regardless of distance and background noise. Additionally, ASHA notes that the hearing aid microphone can be turned off, so the student can concentrate on the teacher alone.
Sound-Field Systems
Sound-field systems are a strong choice for classrooms that need to assist listening for all children in the class. ASHA notes that these systems benefit not only children that have hearing loss, but those that have other auditory and learning problems, such as language delays, central auditory processing disorder, articulation disorders and development delays. Additionally, sound-field systems can be used for students who are learning English as a second language.

Sound-field systems use a microphone that projects sound through mounted speakers around the classroom. In classrooms that have good acoustics, sound is able to travel evenly throughout space, eliminating problems of distance between the speaker and each listener.
Sip-and-Puff Systems
Sip-and-puff systems are used by students who have mobility challenges, such as paralysis and fine motor skill disabilities. These systems allow for control of a computer, mobile device or some other technological application by the child moving the device with his or her mouth. Similar to a joystick, the child can move the controller in any direction and click on various navigational tools using either a sip or a puff. An on-screen keyboard allows the child to type using the same movements.

Sip-and-puff systems are a type of switch device, which refers to the technology used to replace a computer keyboard or mouse. Other switch devices include buttons or other objects that a student can touch, push, pull, kick or perform some other simple action that can then control the device.
Jouse3
The Jouse3 is a sip-and-puff system that allows children to control a device using any part of the mouth, cheek, chin or tongue. Due to its accuracy and quick response, home users can use it for drawing or computer games. It can mount to the desktop, a bedframe or any other type of structure; it does not require a headpiece or placement on the body of the user.

The product supports Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Unix based computers, in addition to Android and iOS mobile devices. It can support one or two external switches, and has two types of mouthpieces.
Sip-and-Puff Systems From Origin Instruments
Origin Instruments offers a range of sip-and-puff products that students can use to control an electronic device. Using a head mounted or gooseneck user interface, or available tubing for a custom solution, the child can control a mouse, joystick or keyboard with ease. The primary system is powered using USB technology.

The product supports Windows, Macintosh and Linux based computers. Two pressure switches connect the system to the user interface solution for use on electronic devices.
Proofreading Software
Proofreading software is a branch of assistive technology that goes above and beyond the typical proofreading features found in a word processing system, such as correcting words frequently misspelled by students with dyslexia. A number of other features offered within this category can help students work on his or her English skill set to become a more effective and accurate writer.

Although primarily geared towards individuals with dyslexia, proofreading software can be helpful to those with any type of learning disorder that makes writing and reading challenging.
Ginger
Ginger offers several features that can help students with dyslexia and other learning disorders with writing. It is also designed for speakers of languages other than English. Some of the features include:

* Grammar checker that analyzes context to determine any errors or misspellings. For instance, Ginger can recognize whether 'there,' 'their' or 'they're' should be used in a sentence, which is a common mistake in writing.

* Word prediction and sentence rephrasing tools that can be helpful for students learning how to construct sentences properly.

* TTS functionality so students can hear what they've written.

* A personal trainer that provides practice sessions based on past mistakes made by the student.

Ginger is available for Windows and Mac, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices.
Ghotit
Ghotit is specifically designed for students with dyslexia and other learning disorders who have difficulties with writing. The name is inspired by the word "Ghoti," which is a constructed term that illustrates irregularities in the English language. And since many spellings are counterintuitive - especially for those with dyslexia - Ghotit dedicates itself to assisting children and adults who struggle with writing accurately.

It features the ability to learn from the user's past mistakes, personalizing suggestions for spelling and grammatical errors. Ghotit can predict words, check passages of text contextually, read text aloud using TTS technology and recognize split and merged words. It also includes an integrated dictionary for students to quickly look up a word.
Math Tools
A range of technology and tools can help students that have trouble with math, most commonly found in a learning disability called dyscalculia. Dyscalculia makes it difficult to grasp numbers and it is characterized by a general lack of understanding in the field of math.

Assistive technology in math is not just for those with dyscalculia. It can also help students with blindness, fine motor skill disabilities or some other type of disability that makes it difficult to perform math-related work.
MathTalk
MathTalk is a speech recognition software program for math that can help students with a range of disabilities. From prealgebra to Ph.D. level mathematics, students can perform math problems by speaking into a microphone on their computer. The program works with Dragon NaturallySpeaking programs for voice-to-text functionality, making it ideal for students who have fine motor skill disabilities. Students with blindness or vision disabilities can use the integrated braille translator.

In addition to these audiences, MathTalk also appeals to students with dyscalculia. The program functions as an electronic math worksheet, allowing the child to organize, align and work through problems on the screen, making it helpful for students who have difficulties performing math problems on paper.
Math Simulations
Math simulations can help students with dyscalculia visualize math problems and concepts. As a result, students can better understand the application of a particular type of problem, since many students struggle with the conceptual aspects of math.

Examples can be found at the NASA website. From video to animated simulations, teachers and students can visually see how a math concept or problem would work. And with some math simulations, students can work through the problem and then see the result play out in the simulation.
Conclusion
Thanks to the rapid advances in assistive technology tools, students, parents, and teachers have a seemingly limitless number of tools at their disposal.

As these tools start to appear in the home and in the classroom, parents and teachers can utilize them for students' academic and personal growth. But technology alone is not enough - to successfully use these tools, it's critical to develop a plan for their use and have regular check-ins to ensure the student is gaining the most value possible and not becoming overly reliant on these tools.

But while assistive tools have become plentiful, the same cannot be said for special education instructors. As previously mentioned, the vast majority of states have reported a need for teachers in special education. And many general education classrooms instruct children with special needs.

Certification is a faster way for current teachers to qualify to teach this growing population. At Alvernia University Online, teachers can pursue a special education certification for grades PreK-8 or 7-12 to help make a difference for children with special needs. They will also improve their marketability in the process, gaining additional opportunities for their career.

Overall, more teachers are needed in this area. Although the advancement of technology in special education is promising, the same increase is needed for the number of special education instructors. Certification offers one solution to quickly meet this need. Learn more about Alvernia's program today.
15 Assistive Technology Tools & Resources For Students With Disabilities

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15 Assistive Technology Tools & Resources For Students With Disabilities

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Ranging in sophistication from tools to apps, assistive technology tools can help students with certain disabilities learn more effectively.

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If teachers in the Greenville, NC area are looking for somewhere to help socialize students, this would be a good resource for them. This resource shares programs and activities planned for specialized recreation in the Pitt County area. Teachers could even advocate for more events for students.

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Clubs and Groups

Aktion Club of Eastern Carolina
Community service organization for adults with developmental disabilities

Location: Pitt Community Schools & Recreation Building, 4561 County Home Road
Ages: 18 & up
Days, times & Dates: 1st Thursday of each month 6:00-7:15 pm (subject to change according to that month's activity)
Fee: $1 each meeting

For more information contact Judi Miller at 252.758.7474 or judi@rrmillerconstruction.com.

Specialized Rec

Updated on 08/02/2019 3:58 PM

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Aktion Club of Eastern Carolina Community service organization for adults with developmental disabilities Location: Pitt Community Schools & Recreation Building, 4561 County Home Road Ages: 18 & up Days, times & Dates: 1st Thursday of each month 6:00-7:15 pm (subject to change according to that month's activity) Fee: $1 each meeting For more information contact Judi Miller at 252.758.7474 or judi@rrmillerconstruction.com .

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This resource would be beneficial to parents nationwide. Families together Inc. provides many different links to a variety of intellectual games (arts, music, math, reading, speaking, etc.) This makes educational games for students with intellectual disabilities easily accessible.

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Free Educational Resources & Fun Activities | Families Together,

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updated 5/18/2020 Navigating COVID-19 When Your Child has a DisabilitySocial Stories and Visuals to Help Explain COVID-19 Helping Your Child Understand COVID-19 Teaching Transition Skills During COVID-19COVID-19 Share your ideas. Resources on this page KansasOnline Learning Supports for Kids with Disabilities

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The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities website provides a ton of resources to parents at a state level. This resource would be beneficial for parents in the state of North Carolina find resources available near them that would be beneficial for their child with ID.

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The A-Z Resources List provides state agencies, organizations and nonprofits across North Carolina that work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families and caregivers to provide services and supports in line with the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act).

We are constantly at work to make sure that the directory is up to date, but if you don't find a resource listed, please submit the name and website to NCCDD for consideration.
All submissions will be reviewed by NCCDD before being added to the resource list.

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The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) is committed to promoting self-determination, independence, productivity and inclusion in all areas of community life and assuring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services and individualized supports.

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Parents for Public Schools of Pitt County is a good resource for parents within the local level of Pitt County. Parents for Public Schools of Pitt County holds "Community Conversations" where parents and community members are encouraged to come out and have guided conversations on any concerns or perspectives they have. For parents whose students have an intellectual disability this is a good resource for them to be able to go out an advocate the needs of their student.

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Community Conversations

Community Conversations are guided discussions held with parents and community members who want to share their perspectives on our schools and learn about current education topics. Data is compiled anonymously and used to guide future action. Program available for any group interested in public education, including businesses, schools, churches, and civic groups.

Would you like to attend or host a Community Conversation? Contact us through our connect page.

Click Here to read the 2020-2021 Community Conversations Report.

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Programs - Parents for Public Schools of Pitt County

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Community Conversations are guided discussions held with parents and community members who want to share their perspectives on our schools and learn about current education topics. Data is compiled anonymously and used to guide future action. Program available for any group interested in public education, including businesses, schools, churches, and civic groups.

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“Facts About Intellectual Disability in Children.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24 Aug. 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/facts-about-intellectual-disability.html.

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American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). What Is Intellectual Disability? Web Starter Kit. Retrieved October 10, 2021, from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/intellectual-disability/what-is-intellectual-disability

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NCBI Bookshelf. (2015, October 28). 9 Clinical Characteristics of Intellectual Disabilities. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK332877/

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American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Intellectual Disability. ASHA. Retrieved October 10, 2021, from https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/intellectual-disability/

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Navigating Life Texas. (2021, August 19). Educational Placements for Students with Disabilities. Special Education Placement Options | Navigate Life Texas. https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en/education-schools/educational-placements-for-students-with-disabilities

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Center For Parent Information and Resources. (n.d.). Intellectual Disability | Center for Parent Information and Resources. Parent Center Hub. Retrieved October 10, 2021, from https://www.parentcenterhub.org/intellectual/

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Therapy Travelers. (2018, February 19). Strategies for Teaching Students with Intellectual Disabilities. https://therapytravelers.com/strategies-teaching-students-intellectual-disabilities/