Disabilities or Different Abilities?

Developing the potential of every child.

All children have limitless potential

Children throughout the world hunger for and deserve the right to be educated to reach their full potential. Many times differences in learning are assumed to be an inability to learn, or even a result of one’s state in life. Children with learning challenges are not offered the special opportunities they need to be productive and contributing members of their society.

You may recognize some of these “disabled” individuals…

Through education and the recognition of their potential, they’ve made great contributions… Bruce Willis and Tom Cruise, both with reading problems,

entertain millions

Einstein, who had trouble with simple tasks and had symptoms of Aspergers, helped explain time and matter

Helen Keller, deaf and blind, but with so much to say

Thomas Edison, father of 100s of inventions, struggled to read and failed many times before the light bulb came on

Steven Hawkings, confined to a wheelchair, solves the problems of the universe.

The differently abled among you have much to contribute too…

Learning challenges include…

Intellectual challenges

Specific learning disabilities

Autism spectrum disorders

Physical challenges

Emotional and behavioral challenges

These challenges can be overcome!

Effective assessment strategies

Identifying patterns of strength and weakness

Service delivery options

Alternative instructional strategies

Adaptive materials

Overcoming stereotypes

Teachers can reach and teach each child! Keys to success:

Professional development

Instructional strategies

Classroom organization and management

Classroom climate

Inclusive classrooms

Coaching and mentoring

New teachers

Veteran teachers

Professional learning communities of teachers

Teacher support groups

Learning and supporting colleagues

And the benefits?A world-class education in the 21st century means helping each child reach his or her potential for productive life and work. Breaking down barriers and discounting stereotypes supports the value and dignity of every child and is the mark of a nation that is a model for others.

For more information on training and consulting on the education of students with learning and behavioral challenges, contact:

Nancy Driscoll, MA

School Psychologist

edpriority1@aol.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/nancy-driscoll/14/488/b85

Raleigh/Durham, NC, USA