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Education planning

3. How do I approach teaching a child with a disability?

Remember that the student is a child first, and the disability is secondary. Approach your teaching practice from this perspective and utilise the variety of skills and strategies you already have as a teacher.

Develop or review the existing Individual Learning Plan with the Student Support Group as soon as possible to set out learning goals and teaching strategies. Develop a learning profile of the student using a strength-based approach that expands on what the student can already do and focuses on progress.

Children with a disability may need assistance with certain tasks but it is important that they are active participants in their learning. Adults assisting children with physical and intellectual disabilities need to understand the importance of providing assistance without creating dependence. Parents can often share their insight about how their child progresses with certain tasks and this can help others to develop this understanding.

A positive approach towards including children with a disability can go a long way to determining whether a child is truly included in the school community. Your positive approach can also motivate and inspire confidence in other staff and students to do the same.

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