Good positioning/ handling of students with multiple disabilities is critical, both to reduce pain and prevent further physical complications, as well as to allow the individual to see, hear, reach and become engaged in persons and materials for optimal participation and learning.

- Various low and high-technology Alternative and Augmentative Communication systems can be used to supplement or replace verbal communication. The range of options can be from non-tech (eg. eye-pointing to the actual object) to high- tech (eg. switch selection of choices displayed on a computer screen as they are scanned by a screen pointer). Speech Language Pathology as well as Occupational Therapy consultation is advised when decision-making is this area.

- Students with multiple disabilities can use Environmental Control Units to exercise control over the environment. ECU\'s allow the individual to turn on/off lights, electrical appliances (radio, TV, etc) and battery operated devices (tape recorders, games, and so on). Another similar piece of technology is an Automated Learning Device (ALD) (Ablenet, Inc).

- Technological tools for these areas may include adapted puzzles/games, toys adapted for switch use, computer assisted drawing programs, as well as computer games with specialized input and/or output devices. A Switch-Adapted Mouse (R.J. Cooper, Inc.) offers wonderful opportunities for co-operative play.

Special Education Categories and Accommodations