• Semester 1 (External)

Synopsis

Recent  social,  judicial and legislative changes concerned  with  the
treatment and care of people with disabilities have strongly supported
the  principles underpinning normalisation, mainstreaming  access  and
equity, social justice and the inclusive curriculum. As a result,  the
regular  class  teacher is called upon to accept direct responsibility
for  an  increasing number of children with special educational needs.
They  therefore  need to acquire additional knowledge  and  skills  to
teach these children effectively in the regular classroom.

This unit outlines the historical events which have shaped our present
perceptions   of   Special  Education,   and   it   focuses   on   the
characteristics and problems of children with disabilities and special
educational  needs.  It  includes definitions, classification  and  an
outline  of the medical, psychological and educational characteristics
of  children  who require special provision in education.  Methods  of
classroom intervention will also be reviewed.