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"Just One of the Kids": A Comprehensive Examination of Children with Disabilities in Schools

Alec Hayes

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Published in Just One Of The Kids (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)

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Just One of the Kids (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)

by Kay Harris Kriegsman

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	853 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages

Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. For children with disabilities, the school environment can play a critical role in helping them develop and thrive. However, these children often face unique challenges that can make it difficult for them to succeed in traditional school settings.

This article will explore some of the challenges and opportunities that children with disabilities face in the educational system. We will also discuss ways to ensure that these children have the best possible experience.

Challenges

Children with disabilities face a number of challenges in school, including:

Academic challenges: Children with disabilities may have difficulty with reading, writing, math, or other academic subjects. They may also have difficulty paying attention, staying on task, or following instructions.
Social challenges: Children with disabilities may have difficulty making friends and interacting with their peers. They may also be bullied or excluded from social activities.
Behavioral challenges: Children with disabilities may exhibit challenging behaviors, such as tantrums, aggression, or self-injurious behavior. These behaviors can make it difficult for them to learn and interact with others.

Opportunities

Despite the challenges they face, children with disabilities also have a number of opportunities to succeed in school. These opportunities include:

Special education services: Children with disabilities are entitled to special education services that are designed to meet their individual needs. These services can include:

Individualized education programs (IEPs)
Speech therapy
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Assistive technology

Inclusion: Children with disabilities should be included in general education classrooms to the greatest extent possible. This allows them to learn alongside their peers and develop social skills.
Support systems: Children with disabilities need a strong support system to help them succeed in school. This support system can include parents, teachers, therapists, and other professionals.

Best Practices

There are a number of best practices that can help children with disabilities succeed in school. These practices include:

Early intervention: Early intervention services can help children with disabilities get the support they need to reach their full potential.
Individualized education programs (IEPs): IEPs are essential for ensuring that children with disabilities receive the services they need to succeed in school.
Inclusion: Children with disabilities should be included in general education classrooms to the greatest extent possible.
Positive behavior supports: Positive behavior supports can help children with disabilities learn to manage their challenging behaviors.
Collaboration: Collaboration between parents, teachers, and other professionals is essential for ensuring that children with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in school.

Children with disabilities face a number of challenges in school, but they also have a number of opportunities to succeed. By providing these children with the support they need, we can help them reach their full potential.

Here are some additional tips for supporting children with disabilities in school: