Discussion Post 11-15

1. Do you think that the visibility of a disability is an important factor in terms of a student’s educational needs? Why or why not?

2. What is your biggest fear about working with a child who is technology-dependent? How can you combat that fear before you are faced with such a child?

3. What is the subjective nature of diagnosing ADHD?

4. How can teachers shape the attitudes of students without disabilities toward students with disabilities?

5. What should and should not be the focus of special education for students with severe disabilities?

6. Why are communication skills important for a child with severe disabilities to learn?

7. Can being gifted and talented be a handicap for some children? Explain your response.

8. Do you believe that gifted and talented students benefit the most by participating in acceleration and enrichment programs with peers who show similar intellectual abilities? Why or why not?

9. What kinds of social problems could a child face if he or she skips a grade in school?

10. Why is it important to involve parents in early childhood assessment?

11. What do you consider the most important curriculum goals for early childhood special education?

12. What are the advantages and disadvantages of home-based and center-based early childhood special education programs?

13. Preparing students with disabilities for transition to adulthood has recently become a priority in special education. Why do you think this issue lagged behind other concerns in the field?

14. What can be done to motivate businesses to train and hire people with disabilities? Why is it important? What are the benefits for businesses for such hirings, both from an economic perspective and a social one?

15. Even though the quality of life is better than ever for adults with disabilities, what can be done in the future to make sure the trend continues?