Learners with Special Needs

I think it is very important for educators to realize the assistive technologies that are available. It is very rare for any teacher to have a “regular education” classroom. I would bet that at least one of those students will have an IEP. It is important to be aware of differentiated instruction and what that means. Teachers need to know how to do it and what it entails.

I believe that Universities are doing a much better job of preparing educators for teaching all types of students. As I entered Illinois State University, I came in wanting to be an elementary education teacher. Within that program it was required for all education majors to take intro to disabilities. That class is what intrigued me to special education and was the reason for my major change. It really opened up my eyes to other areas within special education.

Teachers need to be much more up to date on new technologies, but they also need to know how to adapt them for special needs learners. Knowing what assistive technologies are being used is not only helpful for those learners with IEP’s, but also for students who happen to be getting by without the “label.” As educators it is really important to be able to adapt our lessons for all types of learners and keep that in mind as we teach all of our classes. Even if we may not have all the learners we were required to discuss in our plan for meeting special needs, it is always a good idea to keep in mind what would we do and how would/could we do it.