Supporting Children With Multiple Disabilities

The education of children with multiple disabilities is concerned with improving their quality of life and finding ways to overcome barriers to learning. The law indicates a move towards equal opportunities and inclusive education for all pupils. Those with complex needs have the right to receive appropriate education alongside their peers, to become enlightened, enabled and empowered. 'Supporting Children with Multiple Disabilities' addresses the growing needs of professionals in a variety of educational settings, and provides a practical support framework for children, professionals and parents. Techniques and methods are explored, leading the reader to find a range of keys that will empower them to unlock the door of learning for all multiple-disabled children. The chapters focus on: assessing children's abilities; possible problems of children with multiple disabilities; facilitating access to appropriate learning environments; supporting and including children with multiple disabilities in the classroom; developing mobility and motor skills; facilitating effective communication; developing a multi-sensory curriculum; and, facilitating access to the National Curriculum in mainstream education. This second edition has been updated throughout and now includes information on the Signalong signing system, visual timetables, personal passports, baseline assessment and P scales, learning resources and new technology. This is an invaluable guide for all who work with multiple-disabled children. Table of Contents: Introduction; Children with Multiple Disabilities; Possible Problems; Developing Effective Communication Skills; Facilitating the Use of Sensory Information and Developing a Multi-Sensory Curriculum; Assessment; Access to Appropriate Environments; Mobility and Motor Skills; Support in Mainstream Education; Access to the National Curriculum in Mainstream Education; Final Thoughts; Appendices; Glossary; References; Useful Books; Useful Addresses and Websites; Index. Author Biography: Michael Mednick is a highly experienced and qualified teacher of children with multiple disabilities and of those with profound and severe learning difficulties. He is also a qualified teacher of the visually impaired, of the deaf and deaf - blind.