Developing a Reading Program for Children with Moderate/Significant Disabilities
Many students with cognitive and/or motor difficulties are unable to use the mouse and keyboard. There are options available that can accommodate these students allowing them access to the computer. One access method is Intellikeys, which is an alternative keyboard. By combining Intellikeys with Overlay Maker and Microsoft PowerPoint, the computer becomes more accessible. Here are the steps:
Technology is redefining our concept of reading. Reading no longer encompasses only printed words, but now includes many different technology forms such as electronic text and multimedia. For children with moderate and significant disabilities, new technology and the "No Child Left Behind" act has opened the window of opportunity to learn to read. As educators, we only need to provide motivation and access to help every child enjoy reading. To help, here are some important steps:
1. Find a topic that is motivating for the student. Different children have different interests. When self-selecting a book, children will migrate to topics that interest them. Before developing reading materials, find a topic that the child seems to enjoy. For example, NASCAR.
2. Assess what the child can already read. After selecting a topic, choose several objectives such as reading 5-10 target sight words and comprehension of wh-questions. For nonverbal children, provide pictures and/or other means for communicating what is already known.
3. Develop the materials. Providing appropriate materials is the most difficult and time consuming part of getting children with moderate and significant disabilities reading. Suggested components to include are... (Example)
- Make an Electronic Book using slide presentation software.
- Print a hard copy of the book.
- Make Electronic Flash cards for target words.
- Print a hard copy Flash Cards for target words.
- Make Electronic Worksheets for target words or comprehension questions.
- Print a hard copy worksheets.
- Use Data sheets to document progress.
4. Teach the objectives using the materials that have been developed. If you have selected a motivating topic and provided accessibility and opportunity, you may be surprised how quickly the child masters the objectives.
5. Document progress. Using the assessment in step 2 as a pretest, you can track the progress and show mastery.