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Inclusion Resources

Inclusion Resources

  • Inclusive Education for Children with Down Syndrome – Inclusion in education – the benefits and keys to success
  • Implementing Inclusion – National Down Syndrome Society "Almost thirty years of research and experience has demonstrated that the education of children with disabilities can be made more effective by having high expectations for such children and ensuring their access to the general education curriculum..." This article discusses and cites research as to the benefits of inclusion for students with special needs. It notes some of the barriers to inclusion and provides additional references.
  • “Questioning Removal, Rejection and Exclusion” by Paula Kluth – Paula Kluth questions the removal and ramifications of such rejection that children with disabilities often face in their schooling. 
  • The Educational Challenges Inclusion Study – This study examines inclusive practices and factors that influence its success. There is informative discussion regarding specific learning, grading and classroom strategies.
  • Inclusion's Impact on Children without Disabilities – What the research shows so far about inclusion's effect on typical children. Information from the National Institute for Urban School Improvement.
  • Down Syndrome Inclusion Research Study – A comparison of mainstream and special education for teenagers with Down syndrome: Implications for parents and teachers

Social & Peer Relations

Curriculum Modifications & Adaptions

  • Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Making learning accessible and engaging for all students, NEA policy brief – UDL helps ALL students have full access to curriculum. In today’s dynamic, diverse classrooms, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) offers all educators and students an exciting opportunity to use strategies and technologies that bridge the gap in learner skills, interests and needs. By accommodating students’ different learning styles, UDL is able to transform instruction into a more engaging, meaningful experience.   
  • Example Curriculum Adaptations: Our guide to curriculum adaptations.

Resources for the Team

  • My Teacher Matters ­– This motivating piece is great to give out to teachers and providers who are working with children with Down syndrome. It speaks to the positive power and influence that educators can have in working with any child with special needs.
  • Getting to Know Me – "Getting to Know Me" is a booklet that educators can give to parents when school starts. When filled out, this booklet allows teachers and providers to get to know a bit more about the student than is in a typical IEP. Sections of this book can also provide a platform for introducing the student to his/her classmates, especially if the student doesn't have the communication skills to do so verbally.
  • Supporting Positive Behavior in Children and Teens with Down Syndrome: The Respond but Don't React Method - Book that examines how the brain of a person with Down syndrome works, how those differences impact behavior, and why bad behavior should not be viewed as a willful act. Governed by this new awareness, parents are in a better position to change and manage their child's behavior using guiding principles.
  • One Page Personal Profiles – A one-page person centered planning profile is a beneficial tool when introducing your child to new educators.  The profile is intended to provide information and tips that might not be provided on an IEP, but are critical to understanding when supporting your child. 

Academic Resources

 

Communication for the Team

Tips for the Team

  • Tips for Including Children with Down Syndrome
  • Ten Tips for General Educators – This handout delineates ten quick and easy things that classroom teachers can do to include students with disabilities in the classroom from day one.
  •  Ten Tips for Paraeducators – In the fast-paced school setting, paraeducators often embark upon classroom duties without the guidance they need. This handout describes simple suggestions for classroom aides to help them promote active participation and the independence of students with disabilities.
  •  Ten Tips for Special Educators – Collaborate, communicate and promote the participation of diverse students in the classroom. This handout describes simple strategies for learning specialists and special education teachers.
  •  Ten Tips for Administrators – Share this brief list of suggestions with school administrators and enable the principal or assistant principal to promote the active participation of students with disabilities in the regular education classroom.
  •  Ten Tips for Therapists – Keep students in the classroom and meet therapeutic objectives. Follow the advice on this tip sheet designed for speech-language pathologists, physical therapists and occupational therapists.
  •  Ten Tips for Caregivers – This tip sheet offers suggestions to parents and caregivers to help improve their ability to work with professionals and others on the school-based team.
  •  Ten Tips for Assistive Techies – Follow the commonsense guidelines on this handout and get people to actually use computers and augmentative communication devices in the classroom! 

Communication Resources for the Team

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