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Sometimes Abbreviated as MD. Multiple Disabilities refers to simultaneous impairments (such ID-blindness, ID-orthopedic impairment, etc.) that result in such severe educational demands that they cannot be addressed in a special education program just for one of the impairments . Deaf-blindness is not included in the phrase.

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Multiple disabilities affect a student's capacity to learn in a general education classroom since they have two or more impairments at the same time. These disabilities could consist of:

Intellectual Disability (ID) combined with physical impairments, such as orthopedic impairments or blindness

Communication difficulties, such as limited verbal ability

Medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy or epilepsy, requiring specialized care

Mobility challenges due to neurological or musculoskeletal disorders

Behavioral and emotional difficulties that may result from frustration or communication barriers

Each student’s challenges are different so, making individualized education plans (IEPs) are crucial.

Students may experience:

Difficulties with communication and language

Challenges with daily living activities (e.g., dressing, eating, bathing)

Learning and cognitive impairments

Physical limitations

Sensory impairments

Increased risk for health problems and medical complications

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Identification Procedures and Service Delivery

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Identification Procedures and Service Delivery

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Identification Procedures

Students with multiple disabilities are identified through evaluations that may include:

Medical reports from doctors

Cognitive and psychological assessments (e.g., IQ tests, behavior evaluations)

Speech and language assessments

Physical and occupational therapy evaluations

Parental and teacher observations

Service Delivery

Most students with multiple disabilities receive education in special education settings tailored to their needs.

Some students participate in inclusive classrooms with support from special education teachers, therapists, and paraprofessionals.

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) determine placement, goals, and accommodations.

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Academic Adaptations to help a student with MD.

Use of visual schedules and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices

Simplified or modified curriculum with hands-on, multisensory activities

Assistive technology (e.g., text-to-speech, speech-generating devices)

One-on-one support from a paraprofessional or teacher’s aide

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Behavior managment and Social Strategies

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Behavior managment and Social Strategies

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Some strategies that are known to be effective for behavioral management and improved social interactions include:

Social stories and role-playing to teach interactions

Peer buddy programs to foster relationships with neurotypical peers

Structured routines and predictable environments to reduce anxiety

Sensory breaks and accommodations for students with sensory processing challenges

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National: Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

https://exceptionalchildren.org

Provides research-based teaching strategies, advocacy resources, and professional development for educators working with students with disabilities.

State (Example: North Carolina): Exceptional Children's Division

https://ec.ncpublicschools.gov

Offers guidance on state policies, teacher training, and classroom resources for special education.

Local: School District Special Education Department

Local school districts often have dedicated special education coordinators and resources for teachers. Teachers can contact their district’s Exceptional Children’s Services for training and support.

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National: Parent Center Hub

https://www.parentcenterhub.org

A national resource providing parents with educational rights, advocacy strategies, and support networks for children with disabilities.

State (Example: Texas): Texas Parent to Parent

https://www.txp2p.org

A nonprofit organization offering mentorship, special education resources, and community support for parents raising children with disabilities.

Local: Local Parent Support Groups / Advocacy Organizations

Many communities have parent-led support groups through organizations like The Arc or United Cerebral Palsy. Parents can check with local schools or hospitals for recommendations.

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Gargiulo, R. M., & Bouck, E. C. (2023). Special education in contemporary society: An introduction to exceptionality(8th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Heward, W. L., Alber-Morgan, S. R., & Konrad, M. (2022). Exceptional children: An introduction to special education(12th ed.). Pearson.

National Center on Educational Outcomes. (2020). Students with significant cognitive disabilities and their access to grade-level academic content. University of Minnesota.

Smith, D. D., & Tyler, N. C. (2022). Introduction to special education: Making a difference (9th ed.). Pearson.