School Psych Scholastic
December 2020
December 3rd is International Day of Disabilities.
The 2020 theme ‘Not all Disabilities are Visible’ also focuses on spreading awareness and understanding of disabilities that are not immediately apparent, such as mental illness, chronic pain or fatigue, sight or hearing impairments, diabetes, brain injuries, neurological disorders, learning differences and cognitive dysfunctions, among others.
In this newsletter, we have focused on Neurological Disorders, Traumatic Brain Injuries
and Inclusive Practices. Our goal is to spread awareness of invisible disabilities and
to share the importance of removing barriers for all people living with a disability,
both visible and invisible.
Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders encompass many conditions but all stem from abnormalities in the brain and nerves that are found throughout the body and the spinal cord. Neurological disorders include a variety of medical diagnoses including epilepsy, brain tumors, cerebral palsy, and neuromuscular disorders. Just as diagnoses include a wide variety of disorders, they also bring a variety of symptoms. Various symptoms of neurological disorders can include problems such as poor coordination, loss of sensation, seizures, confusion, or muscle weakness. Neurological disorders affect children as well so it’s important to know and understand how these disorders affect our students, both medically and academically.
Helping students with Epilepsy
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Schools can play a vital role in helping students who are recovering from a Traumatic Brain Injuries. Educators should not only be aware of the current needs of the student but also of the emotions surrounding the loss of previous skills.
Inclusive Practices
Strategies for Inclusive Teaching
Include Diverse Content, Materials, and Ideas
-Select topics and materials that reflect contributions and perspectives of underrepresented groups.
-Model openness to the new ideas and questions.
-Be aware the that your professional training and background may be reflect the content and materials you use.
Create an Inclusive Environment
-Communicate clearly about your expectations including expectations for a respectful and inclusive interactions.
-Set and enforce ground rules for respectful interactions in the classroom. Always remind students of them and be sure to address specific situations and students on an individual basis and not in front of the class if they are braking those rules.
-Get to know your students and their perspectives
-Communicate high standards for student learning and achievement.
-Show respect for all questions and comments.
-Encourage students to "think out loud."
-If a topic will generate disagreement, remind students of ground rules, and address tense interactions in the moment and how to appropriately hear and react.
Encourage a Growth Mindset
-Don't refer to a student's performance on an assignment or test as a result of a fixed ability.
-Help students realize that when they do not do well, it is an opportunity to grow and learn.
-Create an environment in which it is okay to make mistakes.
Strive for Equality of Access to Instruction and Assistance
-Remind students of the resources that they have available and how they can ask for help.
-Promote fairness and transparency by sharing the criteria you will use to evaluate their work.
-Ensure equal assistance is provided or available to all students.
-If a student who has an IEP lets you know they are in need of help, communicate with their case manager (if applicable) to generate a solution.
Gather and Use Feedback to Refine and Improve Your Strategies
-Ask a colleague or staff member to observe your teaching
-Provide opportunities for students to reflect on your class and give you feedback
-Practice a growth mindset with your own teaching.
ONSLOW COUNTY SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS
We hope you find this information useful and take advantage of some of the tips and resources we’ve shared as well as have a deeper awareness that 'Not all Disabilities are Visible'. We wish you all the best during this month as you and your students grow, thrive and bloom on your journey of Inclusive Practices! Thank you to all our families, teachers, staff, and school leaders for all that you do! Teamwork makes the dream work!
With Love,
The Onslow County School Psychologists