Introduction to classification of impairments and learning difficulties and policy

1
Introduction to classification of impairments and
learning difficulties and policy

• MSc IT in Education Course
• Module Enabling Technologies
• 25 October 2001

2
What is an impairment?

• When a persons faculties are diminished so that
  his or her ability to see, walk, talk and judge
  distances is below the normal level as set by the
  state.

3
Main Groups of Impairments

• People with Vision Impairments
• People with Hearing Impairments
• People with Mobility Impairments,
• People with Cognitive Impairments

4
Cognitive Impairments

• Cognitive and language impairments range from
  dyslexia to difficulties remembering, solving
  problems, or perceiving sensory information, to
  problems comprehending and using language.

5
Policy in USA

• Section 508
• The Rehabilitation Act requires access to
  electronic and information technology provided by
  the Federal Government. The law applies to all
  Federal agencies when they develop, procure,
  maintain or use electronic and information
  technology. Federal agencies must ensure that
  this technology is accessible to employees and
  members of the public with disabilities to the
  extent it does not pose an undue burden.
• August 1998, President Clinton
• http//www.access-board.gov/about/Rehab

6
Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)

• This statute guarantees students with
  disabilities with a free, appropriate public
  education. School districts are required to
  provide assistive technology devices and services
  to individual students if a students
  individualised education program (IEP) team
  determines that the student needs them.

7
Definitions of SEN in Ireland

• The Special Education Review Committee (SERC)in
  1993 defined needs under four broad areas
• 1. General learning disabilities,
• 2. Emotional and behaviour disturbance,
• 3. Language and communication difficulties and
  disorders,
• 4. Physical and sensory disabilities.

8
Appropriate provision of computer hardware and
software for both teachers and learners can be a
significant factor in meeting the needs of
children and young people with special
needs.European Commission 1996
9
Building on Best Practice

• Best Practice would recommend careful
  consideration of access issues prior to
  technology purchase. Schools, companies and the
  community require support when considering the
  purchase of Assistive Technology (AT).

10
Technology Ramps

• Adaptations can be thought of as technology
  ramps similar to structural ramps that provide
  an alternative to stairs for physical access.

11
(No Transcript)
12
I really came to believe that I can do the same
things as everyone else, even though I may need
more time.People may or may not be there when
you need them, but devices are still in the place
where you last used them.Quotes taken from the
MPT Homepagehttp//members.aol.com/Jschererer/MPT
.html