Welcome to my blog, Exceptionalities in the Classroom. I hope this is a useful resource for teachers and parents alike. I have amassed a collection of resources that I find to be valuable in helping me understand and accommodate all my students in the classroom. Please refer to the list of exceptionalities on the side bar to the right for a complete list of resources.

Intellectual Disabilities

http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/sid/: This is the British Columbia Government's Ministry of Eduction web page on intellectual disabilities. There is information on 'The Nature of Intellectual Disabilities' that describes how children with intellectual disabilities fit into the public school system, the funding they will receive and the type of educational programs designed. There are also plenty of tips for teachers for adapting their curriculum for students with intellectual disabilities. The government offers a list of extra resources to look at for extra information on intellectual disabilities.

http://www.cacl.ca/: This is the web page for the Canadian Association of Community Living (CACL).  The CACL advocates for an inclusive community - they offer a list of steps for creating a more inclusive community. While it is not meant specifically for the classroom community the advice offered here can be adapted for a teacher's use in the classroom.

Stewart, S. & Flath, C. (2010) My Name Is Not Slow: Kids with Intellectual Disabilities. Mason Crest Publishers.
This book is for children age 10 and up.  This is one book in a series of books produced by IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).  It is a great resource to help students understand what intellectual disabilities are and that they need to respect classmates who may have an intellectual disability.  I like it because it raises awareness and demands respect for individuals living with an intellectual disability. 

 
Cimera, R. E. (2006) Mental Retardation doesn't mean "Stupid"!: A Guide for Parents and Teachers. Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield Education.
Despite the fact that the title int his book uses an old name in referencing intellectual disabilities it is a useful resource. It covers the basics by defining and addressing what 'mental retardation' is and how one is diagnosed.  It outlines characteristics and other challenges that present with children with intellectual disabilities. It offers tips for teachers & philosophies around teaching children with intellectual disabilities.







Lorenz, S. (1998) Children with Down's syndrome: A Guide for Teachers and Learning Support Assistants in Mainstream Primary and Secondary Schools. London: D. Fulton Publishers.
This book focuses specifically on teachers working with children that have Down's Syndrome.  It helps teachers work better in including children with Down's Syndrome into the 'normal' classroom.  It aims to increase the confidence of teachers working with children that have Down's Syndrome so that these children receive the best possible education.