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For Educators

Debunking Myths about Inclusive Education for Students with the Most Significant Cognitive Disabilities

There are many myths about including students with the most significant cognitive disabilities in general education classrooms. This Brief debunks six of them.

Down syndrome Awareness Curriculum - Elementary

It’s important to have conversations with elementary students about disAbilities like Down syndrome, whether you have a student with disAbilities in your class or not. These resources and activities were created to help you teach your students about what it means to have Down syndrome and to be a good friend to everyone

10 Reasons to Support Inclusive School Communities for ALL Students

Inclusive school communities are educational settings in which students with disabilities have opportunities to participate and receive support in all aspects of school life alongside peers who do not have disabilities. In an inclusive system, special educators, specialized instructional support personnel, general educators, and other education personnel work together to address the needs of students with disabilities. By collaborating, these educators better support the learning and participation of all students. Furthermore, research demonstrates that a learning community is better, richer, and more effective when students with disabilities are full participants.

10 Research-Based Tips for Enhancing Literacy Instruction for Students With Intellectual Disability

A set of 10 research-based tips for special education teachers, general education teachers, and other members of IEP teams to consider when planning literacy instruction for students with ID in order to maximize student outcomes.

All About Me Booklet for Students

This booklet was designed by the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City to help you welcome your new student.

Barton Lab Dignity and Disability

In the Barton Lab Dignity and Disability section you will find resources related to treating children with disabilities with the respect and dignity they deserve. The series provides recommendations for practitioners who work with young children with disabilities to support these children in a way that will set them up to thrive.

Coloring Book - Extraordinary Friends

 A book to help children understand Down syndrome and have fun at the same time.

Karyotype Coloring Pages

Coloring pages showing both male and female karyotypes (picture of chromosomes) with trisomy 21 or Down syndrome.

Down Syndrome Learning Styles

Once you understand the common learning types of individuals with Down syndrome, you can more easily help meet the needs of your child with DS and help them achieve their potential. We will discuss the more common strengths & weaknesses of those with DS, their learning styles or profiles and strategies for success. Presented by Alecia Talbott, Executive Director of DSAMT, parent of a child with DS

Down Syndrome Education International

DSE transforms the lives of young people with Down syndrome by improving understanding of their learning needs and by helping families and professionals to provide effective support, early intervention and education. Our goal is to improve outcomes for all children with Down syndrome, helping them to lead more independent, productive and fulfilling lives.

DS Specialists training

The Down Syndrome Specialist Training provides advanced training on Down syndrome and how it can affect the learning process and academic performance. It trains participants on strategies and supports that have been proven to be successful for exceptional learners, especially in an inclusive environment.

Equipping Your School with Transition Tennessee

Dr. Erik Carter Professor, of Special Education at Vanderbilt presents how to equip your school special education program with Transition Tennessee

How to Write a Social Story™

Social Stories™ are effective methods to provide guidance and directions for responding to various types of social situations. The stories are used to describe social situations specific to individuals and circumstances while promoting self-awareness, self-calming, and self-management. Social Stories™ are not meant to change behavior; rather, they are meant to clarify social expectations.

Inclusive Schooling

Inclusive Schooling is an engaging community for educators, administrators and parents who seek to create more inclusive schools.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Implementing Inclusion in Education from the National Down Syndrome Society

Inclusive education is more than mainstreaming. Mainstreaming implies that a student from a separate special education class visits the regular classroom for specific, usually non-academic, subjects. Inclusion is an educational process by which all students, including those with disabilities, are educated together for all, or at least most, of the school day.

Key Advice from Behavioral Expert

Dennis McGuire, Ph.D., two-time recipient of Global’s Award of Excellence—in Medical Outreach and Psychology, shares three important takeaways regarding behavioral health in people with Down syndrome:

National Center On Educational Outcomes TIES Center

The primary outcome of the TIES Center is to improve the quality of instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities in inclusive environments through the use of existing curriculum and instructional materials. The new center will also provide models and coaching to both general education and special education teachers to create more inclusive opportunities. In addition the TIES Center will support changes to inclusive practices and policies within partner state and local education agencies.

NDSS Get to Know Me

Raise awareness about Down syndrome and promote inclusion with the NDSS posters and accompanying lesson plans. The 11x17" posters are perfect for any elementary school classroom, community center, religious organization and more! The lesson plans, for grades K-2 and 3-5, reinforces the inclusive message of the posters.

Paula Kluth Special Education Blog

Promotes inclusive schooling and exploring positive ways of supporting students with disabilities.

People First Language

To ensure inclusion, freedom, and respect for all, it's time to embrace People First Language.

Stubborn is as Stubborn Does

Stubborn is...as Stubborn Does by Carol Johnson, states it is interesting how many people talk about their child's stubborn behavior as if it was part and parcel with having Down syndrome. It isn't

Supporting Positive Behavior

Positive, Powerful Strategies for Intervention to address behavior problems before they interfere with LRE, social connections and independence now and later in life. Adapted by Andrew Crim with permission from Supporting Positive Behavior in Children and Teens with Down Syndrome: The Respond but Don’t React Method by David Stein, PsyD and published by Woodbine House

Tennessee Talks

Tennessee Talks is a grant-funded project of the Tennessee Department of Education. Regional contracts are working collaboratively to provide assistance to educational teams as they address the needs of their students with significant communication challenges. Tennessee Talks will work directly with schools at no cost to assist support students, school staff, and parents interested in learning more about AAC.

Tennessee Works

Elevating employment outcomes for people with disabilities.

Tips for Administrators

Ten tips for administrators to generate feelings of responsibility to practice inclusion and promote active participation students with disabilities.

Tips for General Educators

Ten tips for general educators shows small gestures help students with disabilities participate, learn and succeed in the classroom.

Tips for Paraeducators
Tips for Special Educators

Ten tips for special educators collaborate, communicate, and promote the participation of students with disabilities in the inclusive classroom.

Transition Tennessee

Tennessee’s online home for training and resources on preparing students with disabilities for life after high school. Consider this the “blueprint” to building a comprehensive transition program for your students. Learn about the best practices and practical strategies for special educators, families, and other transition team members as you fill your toolbox with key tools for success.

University Community Partnerships in Teacher Preparation

University-Community Partnerships in Teacher Preparation:Changing Attitudes about Students with Disabilities. By Sally Barton-Arwood, Lauren Lunsford, and Shree W. Suddeth The personal perspectives of a teacher can support or hinder successful outcomes for students with disabilities.

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

Training and resources for clinicians, students, researchers, and educators.