Communication Disorders

Communication Disorders

Definition: any of a number of disorders, as autism or deafness that partially or totally prevents verbal or written expression or comprehension.

Characteristics: difficulty following directions, attending to a conversation, pronouncing words, perceiving what was said, expressing oneself, or being understood because of a stutter or a hoarse voice.

Strategies:

• Maintain contact with student.
• Allow students to tape lectures.
• Encourage and assist in facilitation of participation in activities and discussions.
• Model an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding in the classroom.
• Be a good listener.
• Allow more time for the student to complete activities.
• Place the student within reasonable distance from the instructor to meet their needs.
• Anticipate areas of difficulty in access and involve the student in doing the same. Together, work out alternate procedures while trying not to disengage the student from the activity.
• If appropriate, provide assistance, but also provide positive reinforcement when the student shows the ability to do something unaided.
• Use a peer-buddy system when appropriate.
• Encourage classmates to accept the student with communicative problems.
• An atmosphere conductive to easy and good interactive communication should be established and maintained in the classroom.
• Encourage and assist in facilitation of participation in activities and discussions.

Accommodations/Modifications:

· For students who cannot use the computer because of other physical limitations in their hands or arms, explore avenues for obtaining adaptive access software, (including Unicorn keyboards), special switches, Power Pads, eye controlled input systems, touch screens, footmice, and other special equipment

• Provide and interpreter (signed English or American Sign Language) to those who require another form of communication.

· Students with communication disorders should be encouraged to discuss their functional difficulties and needs in private during the first week of classes and to talk about ways to compensate.

Technology resources:

http://www.as.wvu.edu/~scidis/text/comm.html