Autism

Teaching Strategies
Make the lesson VAK friendly- this is encourages the students to learn best using their
talent areas (drawing, writing, etc.)
Keep the school day as structured as possible and give them a schedule to follow- this
allows them to feel in control of their day and not to get flustered.
Use their fixations to keep them motivated in their school work (trains, maps, etc)-
this keeps them interested and actually want to learn.
Know your students triggers- then you will know what sets them off
Assistive Technology

Noise cancelling headphones

How Im feeling today chart
Picture novels rather than ones with text
PECS board
A computer or other electronic device to assist with typing instead of writing

Physical
Teaching Strategies

Give student extra time to write. Many students with physical disabilities may struggle
to write as quickly as other students.
Use the buddy system. Give the student with physical disabilities a buddy to help take
notes for them.
Provide two copies of books. Give students one copy for school and one for home so
they do not need to carry heavy books.
Sometimes accept late work. Students with physical disabilities may have problems
completing homework before due dates due to them needing more time to complete
tasks.
Allow the students to verbally answer. The student may have difficulty using/raising
their hands so allow them to answer verbally.
Assistive Technology

Speech recognition software is a program to identify words or phrases. People

who uses this can speak into it to type.
Screen readers allows the blind or visually impaired users to read text that is
displayed on the computer screen with a speech synthesizer or braille display.
 Communication boards are to help teachers to see what the students are trying to
tell them. Also it helps the student so they can have a way to communicate.
Canes/ walkers/ wheelchairs help students to transport from class to class to
lunch.
They have specialized chairs, desks, and tables for posture development.
Intellectual
Teaching Strategies

Break down learning tasks into smaller steps

Modify your teaching approach

Use more visual aids

Provide direct and immediate feedback

Use concrete materials that are interesting, age-appropriate, and relevant to the
students
Assistive Technology

Sports and Recreation: Adaptations can be made to computer games which allow the
game activity to be slowed down for a user who cannot react as quickly to game
moves and decision-making.
Communication: Low to high tech communication devices can be the means for
communication for a person who cannot communicate with his or her voice, due to
physical and/or cognitive reasons.
Environmental Controls: Technology allows a person to control electrical appliances,
audio/video equipment such as home entertainment systems or to do something as
basic as lock and unlock doors.
Mobility: Simple manual to sophisticated computer-controlled wheelchairs and
mobility aids such as walkers and canes are available for a person who cannot walk.
Education: The computer can be a tool for improved literacy, language development,
mathematical, organizational, and social skill development.

Hearing Impairment
Teaching Strategies

Outline class presentations and write new terms and key points on the chalkboard.
 This is so that the student does not miss any of the information that is being
presented of introduced to the class.
Repeat the questions and remarks of the other people in the room.
This is so that the student does not miss any examples, point of view, or extra
information on the topics being discusses within the class.
Speak directly to the student by keeping your face within view whenever you speak,
remember to speak in a natural tone of voice, and always speak to the student not the
interpreter.

Assistive Technology

Hearing Aids:
A small electronic device that amplify sound -- can help restore many of the sounds
that hearing-impaired people are missing.
Computer / Web Camera:
They will be able to read or use signing when asking questions or doing work. A
computer can change a spoken message into a readable text document
Closed Captioning:
Captions are the written text of the spoken word. When watching a video, they can
read what is going on.
Alerting Devices:
These let the student that someone is trying to get their attention or if they are
sleeping it can wake them up without startling them. Like flashing lights or something
that vibrates.
Recorders:
Have the teacher record what they say so the student can go and listen to it as loud as
they can. This could also be a FM listening system. FM listening systems let teachers
talk into a hand-held microphone, which transmits the sound of the teacher's voice
directly to a deaf or hard of hearing child's hearing aid.

Emotional Behavior
Teaching Strategies

Brain breaks: helps students take mental breaks so they dont get too overwhelmed
Structured schedule: clear and simple rules that provide structure and a normal routine
 Ignore some behavior: dont feed in to the behavior, it may escalate the situation rather
than help it
Give choices: gives students the opportunity to feel in control
Rewards for good behavior: gives students self confidence, shows them that they are
recognized/valued
Assistive Technology

Sound proof headphones: allows student to have quiet time to calm down
Pocket stone: helps with high anxiety, allows students to calm down when nervous or
anxious
Sound machine: plays soothing music to calm student
Calendar/Checklist: helps student monitor medication and gives student responsibility
Notepad: journal feelings and emotions, can either communicate with teachers or
themselves

Learning
Teaching Strategies

Brain Breaks
Time Extensions
Printed Notes
Study Guides
Note Taker
Assistive Technology

IPAD
Calculator
Books on Tape

Visual Impairment
Teaching Strategies

Convert exam papers in their usual format (e.g., Braille, modified layout, large print).
A student may require a reader to read the questions;
A student may require a scribe for dictation of answers;
 Keep a front row seat open for a student with a vision impairment. A corner seat is
especially convenient for a student with a dog guide.
Provide hand-outs (preferably electronically) in advance of lectures and seminars, and
allow audio-taping where possible to assist review of notes. Some students may need
handouts and tests on colored paper to reduce glare.
Assistive Technology

Enlarged Text- For students with some existing visual function, providing text
information in enlarged format may be the simplest strategy.
Handheld Magnifiers- These low-tech, portable tools allow students with some vision
to access not only text, but other objects in their environment as well.
Video Magnifier- A video magnifier can be used for other objects as well. It may be in
the form of handheld device, a stand-alone device, or work with a computer, TV or
projection system.
Braille-For students who do not have sufficient vision to rely on other supports, Braille
is an essential tool for teaching literacy skills and will serve as a lifelong skill.
Braille Labeler- Labelling items throughout the students environment will not only
reinforce vocabulary, spelling and reading but will also promote independence and
assist with orientation.
Audio Books- Audio books are generally recorded using human voice, and can be
accessed through the use of specialized computer software, devices, or mainstream
tools like MP3 players.
Communication
Teaching Strategies

Be patient
Use picture boards
Encourage participation in classroom activities and discussions
Dont be afraid to ask the student to repeat if you do not understand
Give extra time
Assistive Technology

First, students with speech and language impairments have an array of computer
software packages available to develop their speech and language skills
Secondly, students with speech and language impairments may use augmentative or
alternative communication (AAC).
AAC is the use of symbols, aids, strategies, and techniques to enhance the
communication process.
 This includes sign language and various communication boards, both manual and
electronic, that are used by individuals with impaired oral motor skills.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Teaching Strategies

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology can come in many different forms, ranging from simple, homemade
devices like indoor ramps to complex electronic equipment like voice recognition programs.
Some of the most popular types of assistive technology for TBI include:
 Braille readers and embossers

computer-related equipment and programs, including screen readers (that

read aloud the words on a computer screen) and personalized keyboards

motorized wheelchairs

sip-and-puff systems, devices a TBI patient can control through inhalations

and exhalations

vision aides, including glasses, contacts and special computer monitors