Including students with severe disabilities in mainstream classrooms has become more and more common. These severe disabilities include both physical and intellectual, and the Downing project tackles the most common subject area for inclusion - literacy. Covering a wide age spectrum the author looks at: - accessing the general curriculum; - literary activities; - parental involvement; - pre- and post-assessment; - IEPs; - peer support; - school-wide approaches; - evaluation and grading; - goal-setting. The project also includes very practitioner-oriented pedagogy, including Frequently Asked Questions, chapter by chapter references, bibliography with short summaries, and relevant websites. June Downing is a Professor at California State University, Northridge, where she prepares teachers to work in the area of moderate/severe disabilities. She has been the project director of numerous federally-funded projects to train teachers. For the past 16 years, her focus in teacher preparation has been in the area of inclusive education. After receiving her BA in Sociology from the University of Colorado in Boulder, Dr. Downing went on to pursue her training at the University of Northern Colorado where she earned an MA in special education with an emphasis in visual impairments. Her Ph.D. in special education with an emphasis in severe and multiple disabilities, including sensory impairments, is from the University of Arizona. She is currently on the editorial board of The Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps and Augmentative and Alternative Communication and has published numerous articles, monographs, training modules, and book chapters in her areas of expertise.

This supplemental text and professional resource offers teachers strategies for including students with sensory impairments and cognitive and physical disabilities in the classroom. Building on the success of the previous editions, this volume includes updated information on recent legislative changes and provides practical strategies for creating a successful inclusive classroom.This book includes: the latest research on all topics covered; changes in the law; the importance of learning opportunities in general education; objective and positive ways of writing present level of performance; information on transition from elementary school to middle school, middle school to high school, and high school to post-secondary education and work; new information on peers and collaboration; and, updated appendices.

Young children who are visually impaired and have additional disabilities need to learn to use their sense of touch effectively to promote their growth, development, and ability to communicate. This manual provides teachers, early interventionists, and parents with critical information about alternative communication methods not based on the use of vision as well as countless practical strategies. Topics include assessing a child's skills, planning interventions, and selecting appropriate tactile strategies to meet the child's needs.

How can educators and therapists support effective communication for students with severe and multiple disabilities? Today's best research and strategies are in the NEW third edition of this trusted textbook and teaching guide. Current and future education professionals will get up-to-date information and practical guidance on the entire process of supporting communication for students of all ages, from assessing their communication skills to involving peers and adults in intervention. An important textbook and professional reference, this comprehensive volume will help educators, paraprofessionals, SLPs, and other school staff skillfully support every student's right to communicate. TOPICS COVERED: communication assessment * intervention strategies * identification of natural opportunities to teach skills * augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) techniques * collaborative teaming * challenging behaviour * Functional Communication Training * literacy instruction * peers as communication partners * teaching a wide range of skills that go beyond simple requesting, from commenting to gaining attention WHAT'S NEW: More emphasis on technology throughout the book Timely new contributions by experts in the field New chapter on the relationship between communication and challenging behaviour New chapter on communication and literacy More on making AAC devices accessible and attainable Expanded guidance on friendship development and how peers can aid intervention More strategies for teaching specific communication skills, highlighted for easy reference New case examples to show strategies and interventions in action FAQs, extension activities, and study questions that highlight key ideas and trouble spots

While most resources for inclusive education focus on teaching students with mild to moderate disabilities, teachers of students with more severe disabilities need specific methods to provide the individualized and systematic instruction necessary to support students in inclusive environments. This unique book meets that need with approaches, information, and ideas for teachers of students with moderate to severe disabilities in general education classrooms. June E. Downing draws from a strong research base to provide practical instructional strategies, plus suggestions based on personal experience. Featuring tables and figures, chapter summaries, photographs, multiple examples, and strategies that address the how-to of instruction, this resource helps general and special education teachers: - Adapt their curriculum to meet both individual student needs and state standards for core curriculum - Work collaboratively with other teachers - Develop assessments that accurately determine student needs - Keep track of student progress through data collection Essential for today's inclusive classrooms, this guide covers everything teachers need to know to provide individualized instruction and assessment for their students with significant intellectual disabilities.

Including students with severe disabilities in mainstream classrooms has become more and more common. These severe disabilities include both physical and intellectual, and the Downing project tackles the most common subject area for inclusion - literacy. Covering a wide age spectrum the author looks at: - accessing the general curriculum; - literary activities; - parental involvement; - pre- and post-assessment; - IEPs; - peer support; - school-wide approaches; - evaluation and grading; - goal-setting. The project also includes very practitioner-oriented pedagogy, including Frequently Asked Questions, chapter by chapter references, bibliography with short summaries, and relevant websites. June Downing is a Professor at California State University, Northridge, where she prepares teachers to work in the area of moderate/severe disabilities. She has been the project director of numerous federally-funded projects to train teachers. For the past 16 years, her focus in teacher preparation has been in the area of inclusive education. After receiving her BA in Sociology from the University of Colorado in Boulder, Dr. Downing went on to pursue her training at the University of Northern Colorado where she earned an MA in special education with an emphasis in visual impairments. Her Ph.D. in special education with an emphasis in severe and multiple disabilities, including sensory impairments, is from the University of Arizona. She is currently on the editorial board of The Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps and Augmentative and Alternative Communication and has published numerous articles, monographs, training modules, and book chapters in her areas of expertise.