1.1. Academic and Special Needs: Students with hearing impairments are at a greater risk at falling behind due to their inability to understand and/or listen to the teacher as so much instruction is presented verbally.
1.2. Classroom Accommodations: Teachers can present information in writing when available and the student can communicate by others means depending on the severity of the impairment. The student may need assistive technology to also help with hearing instruction (microphone and hearing aids).
2. Aspergers
2.1. Academic and Special Needs: Student with Aspergers (AS) have communication difficulties and are often distracted by their area of interest. They are also susceptible to repetitive behaviors.
2.2. Classroom Accommodations: Students with AS may need multiple ways of communicating with peers and teachers. Teachers shouild also use the students area of interest as motivation in subject areas in order to keep the student on task.
3. Visual Impairments
3.1. Academic and Special Needs: Students with visual impairments are at a greater risk at falling behind due to their inability to understand and/or see the teacher as they complete instruction on the board. A student who is visually impaired may use items such as a cane to navigate if they are totally blind.
3.2. Classroom Accommodations: Students may need an alternate form of reading material (braille) if their visual impairment renders them completely blind. If they are slightly to moderately visually impaired they should be given preferential seating, have a classroom free from tripping hazards, and the teacher should check in and supply note when needed. Supply tactile and auditory adaptations as needed.
4. ADHD
4.1. Academic and Special Needs: Students who have been diagnosed with ADHD require more reminders and systems to keep themselves and their school work organized. They are often distracted and have a hard time controlling themselves in the general classroom.
4.2. Classroom Accommodations: Students who are gifted and also have ADHD can benefit from a posted schedule, help with organizing and prioritizing assignments, provide positive feedback, and flexible seating options.
5. Physical Impairments
5.1. Academic and Special Needs: Students who have physical impairment may require specialized equipment to enable them to move around freely. This may include a wheelchair, crutches, or braces if their physical impairments impede their mobility
5.2. Classroom Accommodations: Students with physical impairment need a classroom structed where there is plenty of space to move around, free of unnecessary objects. There also needs to be a strong classroom community in order to keep the child from feeling alienated.
