What are the Different Areas of Impairment?
This section covers ten different categories of exceptionality. The intent of this section is to introduce the reader to the different special needs funding categories, the specific diagnoses that are associated with each category and to allow the reader to have a basic view of the different impairments. Usually, categorizing takes place to allow schools, professionals and others working with the child to analyze the child’s needs and select the most appropriate education program for him/her. Categories can also be used for a third party in regards to funding, rights and regulations. Deciding on which funding category is most appropriate for a child, a child is no easy matter. We have seen in previous chapters how the child undergoes different stages of assessment and planning to be able to find a program that best meets his/her needs based on findings.
The process of identifying a child’s needs is used in order to avoid labelling a child as “being bad” or “not trying” and to ensure that he/she receives the support needed when identified in the right category. This brings us to the discussion on labeling controversy. Below is a list of a few pros and cons of identifying students.
Pros:
The process of identifying a child’s needs is used in order to avoid labelling a child as “being bad” or “not trying” and to ensure that he/she receives the support needed when identified in the right category. This brings us to the discussion on labeling controversy. Below is a list of a few pros and cons of identifying students.
Pros:
- Allows students to get the help they need based on a set or policies and procedures provided by the ministry of education.
- Gain services supported by the school and ministry which they may not be able to afford financially.
- Individuals who work with a child or come into contact with them are more understanding of atypical behavior from the disability’s characteristics.
- Professionals are able to follow a guideline of some sort for each specific diagnosis.
- “Labeling has led to the development of specialized teaching methods, assessment approaches, and behavioral interventions that are useful for teachers of all students” (Henley, Ramsey, Algozzine, 2010, p.1).
- If they are not identified they may fail school or drop out. (Torgesen, 2014, p.1)
- An IEP is developed to meet that child’s specific needs.
Cons:
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Teachers along with other professionals should be aware of the consequences of identified students to avoid issues listed above.
Moving back to funding categories for specific diagnosis, below is a list that shows the different funding categories that will be further explored in this chapter along with a listing of some specific diagnoses associated with the category.
Moving back to funding categories for specific diagnosis, below is a list that shows the different funding categories that will be further explored in this chapter along with a listing of some specific diagnoses associated with the category.