The document discusses the history and conceptualization of intellectual disabilities (formerly known as mental retardation). It traces the evolution of perspectives from early notions of isolation and institutionalization to modern definitions emphasizing significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors that adversely impact educational performance. Prevalence rates are estimated at 1% of the school-aged population with over-representation among African American students. Causes may include genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors.
6. eugenics
…Besides, if these feeble-minded children were early selected and carefully
trained, they would become more or less self-supporting in their institutions, so
that the expense of their maintenance would be greatly reduced
(Goddard, 1912).
henry herbert goddard
8. competing terms
mental retardation vs. intellectual disabilities
9. IDEiA definition
“significantly sub-average intellectual
functioning, existing concurrently with deficits
in adaptive behavior and manifested during
the developmental period, that adversely
affects a child’s educational performance.”
Presented by: Brent Daigle, Ph.D.
10. IDEiA definition
mild 50 – 70/75
moderate 35-50
severe 20 - 35
profound below 20
11. prevalence rates
1% school population
majority male (56%)
Over-representation: African-American Students
Presented by: Brent Daigle, Ph.D.
15. instructional approaches
think aloud model academic skills
advance organizers functional curriculum
generalization life skills
inclusion opportunity? self-determination
self-advocacy
direct instruction
community-based instruction
transition planning
explicit instruction
student-centered
16. instructional environment
play / communication area quiet areas
natural environments
job skills area
carrels, tables, desks
room facilitates movement
grouping arrangements?
location of materials
flexible class arrangement
17. use of technology
adapts to curriculum
removes barriers
addresses specific need
Presented by: Brent Daigle, Ph.D.