Instructional Strategies for Students with Severe and Multiple Disabilities

This course is designed to acquaint candidates with the characteristics, methods of teaching, and current research and issues related to the education of learners with severe intellectual disabilities; including those individuals diagnosed with ADHD and EBD. Additionally, this course will present the needs of students with autism, including, but not limited to, the etiology, prevalence, characteristics, and evidence-based instructional methodology for teaching students with autism. Furthermore, candidates will be acquainted with the use of assistive and instructional technology in the teaching of and learning by students with disabilities to promote communication and independent living. The course will provide a philosophical and skill-based foundation to students to promote the use of systematic, individualized, and functional skills to support and facilitate the development of individual self-determination and meaningful participation in inclusive environments across the lifespan of each individual. The historical treatment of people with severe disabilities, normalization, advocacy, and collaboration, and building inclusive classroom communities that support the full diversity of learners are also addressed.

Fall, Spring

034310