Best Practices
Students with significant disabilities represent a diverse group of learners. Like many students, they bring unique challenges, skills, preferences, and experiences. Included in this area are resources, websites, research and practical ideas from teachers to improve the educational outcomes for students with significant disabilities.
Library Resources • Web Articles • Highlights from the Classroom
Library Resources
Our VCU T/TAC Library and AT Lab contain many up to date resources that can assist you and your students. Use the “Quick Search” option to find a specific item or category. Use the “Visual Search” to find items for a particular subject area that are used most often and are highly recommended.
Research Based Articles
Inclusion
- Wehmeyer, M. L. (2006). Beyond access: Ensuring progress in the general education curriculum for students with severe disabilities. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 31(4), 322-326.
Literacy
- Erickson, K.A., Clendon, S.A., Abraham, L., Roy, V., Van de Karr, H. (2005). Toward positive literacy outcomes for students with significant developmental disabilities. Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits, 2(1), 45-55.
Self-Determination
- Field, S & Hoffman, A. (2002). Preparing youth to exercise self-determination: quality indicators of school environments that promote the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and beliefs related to self-determination. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 13(2), 113-116.
Secondary Transition
- Neubert, D., Moon, M.S., & Grigal, M. (2002). Post-Secondary education and transition services for students age 18-21 with significant disabilities. Focus on Exceptional Children, 24, 303-305.
Supported Employment
- Wehman, P. (2006). Integrated Employment: If not now, when? If not us, who? Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 31(2), 122-126.
- Walgreens rocks! Watch this video to see how Walgreens has designed their plant in SC to level the playing field allowing people with disabilities to be employed.
- Positive Vibe Café. Our local Richmond restaurant is making a difference. Check out the story on MSNBC.
Newsletter Articles
Articles from the VCU T/TAC Innovations and Perspectives
Explore current articles in Innovations and Perspectives and to search the archives for previous articles. Some articles you might want to look for are listed below.
- Ligon, K. and Pruett, M. (Feb./March, 2008). Instructional Planning Leads to Progress. In Innovations and Perspectives. VCU T/TAC newsletter, p. 4.
- Ligon, K. and Pruett, M. (Sept./Oct. 2007). Quality Instruction Moves Beyond Access. In Innovations and Perspectives, VCU T/TAC newsletter, p. 3.
- Ligon, K. and Pruett, M. (Spring, 2007). Meaningful Tools Aid Literacy Instruction. In Innovations and Perspectives, VCU T/TAC newsletter, p. 3.
- Hoover, K. and Ligon, K. (Winter 2007). Engaging Students Aids Comprehension. In Innovations and Perspectives. VCU T/TAC newsletter, p. 6.
- Hoover, K. and Ligon, K. (Summer 2006). Vocabulary Development and Instruction. In Innovations and Perspectives. VCU T/TAC newsletter, p. 3.
- Hoover, K. and Ligon, K. (Winter 2006). Phonics Beyond Spoken Language. In Innovations and Perspectives. VCU T/TAC newsletter, p. 2.
- Ligon, K. (Summer 2005) Beginning literacy instruction for students with complex needs. In Innovations and Perspectives. VCU T/TAC newsletter, p. 1.
Highlights from the Classroom
Record Keeping Forms
On this site you will find a variety of documents for printing and use within your classrooms: data sheets, planning matrices, and documents. www.polyxo.com/documents/
Daily Communication Log
Communication between schools and families plays a large role in students' success at school. For students with more significant disabilities, it is of extreme importance. This communication log (pdf) is an example, shared by a teacher, that she uses on a daily basis to inform families about the students' day at school. Consider how you might use or adapt something like this in your classroom.
This file is also available in Microsoft Word format.
Examples of classroom design and instructional activities
- Functional Activities
- Tips From Teachers
- UNC Center for Literacy and Disability Studies Deaf-Blind Model Demonstration Project. Click on this link to view classroom videos and instructional resources.
Success Stories
These success stories have been shared by teachers who are working with students with significant disabilities. Click below to hear their inspirational stories.
