Learning for everyone How disabilities can impact on

Learning for everyone… How disabilities can impact on positive outcomes and life chances of children and young people Unit 8: Learning Outcome 3

Learning for everyone… Impact of poverty on life chances Ø Disability is defined as: “A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities”- a disadvantage or handicap, especially one imposed or recognised by the law.

Learning for everyone… Impact of disability on positive outcomes The effects of “labelling” children with disabilities can have consequences, both positive and negative. Ø The “Learning Disabled” label allows educator's/schools and support workers the chance to provide extra support. Individual education plans (IEP) support long-term support. Ø Children qualify for support and services they may not have otherwise been able to receive which may be condusive to learning

Learning for everyone… Impact of disability on positive outcomes Ø The negative affects can lead to educators/schools lowering their expectations and goals for what can be achieved in the classroom. Ø The child may develop low self-esteem and experience issues with peers. Ø Labelling can lead to children creating a sense of learned helplessness. They may feel that sense they are labelled they cannot do well or that they are looked on as being stupid

Learning for everyone… Impact of disability on positive outcomes Ø Labelling can also lead to others having low expectations for the child. They may think the child cannot do what is required and lower their expectations thus isolating or excluding the child. Ø Children who are labelled may also experience peer pressure. They may be made fun of. Ø They may also experience difficulties in making friends. This may lead to them becoming isolated and withdrawn

Learning for everyone… Impact of disability on positive outcomes The important factors to remember is that everyone associated with the care and education of a child with any disability is to actively promote positive outcomes by: Ø Providing them with the educational and emotional tools they need to succeed. Ø Preventing negative consequences of the label by taking proactive steps to minimise the chances of problems occurring Ø Openly discussing that a disability does not take away their value, that each person learns at a different pace and in many different ways

Learning for everyone… Impact of disability on positive outcomes Ø Parents, teachers and careers must not lower their expectations of the child and instead offer. Ø Teachers should talk to their class about difficulties and disabilities and how different pace and use of teaching styles are used to support children. Ø Open discussion can create a better understanding of problems faced.