Cognitive Disability
Elyse Myers
Katherine Roush Emily Hamilton
James McLendon
Ramone Conley
What is a Cognitive Disability?
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Cognitive disabilities are a broad range of mental disorders
and conditions.
Commonly referred to as mental retardation, but the
politically correct term is cognitive disability.
People suffering from severe cognitive disabilities may
need assistance with carrying out aspects of daily living,
while people with mild cognitive disabilities may be able
to function adequately and go on with their lives never
knowing or being diagnosed.
Types of Cognitive Disabilities
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Cognitive Disabilities can be put into 2 categories: clinical cognitive
disabilities and functional cognitive disabilities
Clinical cognitive disabilities are found to have a medical link to
their cause. Types of clinical cognitive disabilities include dyslexia,
dyscalculia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), brain
injury caused by stroke, tumors or meningitis, traumatic brain injury
(TBI), down syndrome, autism, and dementia
Functional cognitive disabilities focus on the challenges and abilities
that occur rather than the medical diagnosis. These may involve
difficulties or deficits involving problem solving, attention, memory,
math comprehension, visual comprehension, and verbal, reading or
linguistic comprehension.
Classroom Rules
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General Rules for Number of Students to Aids/Teachers
Severe Cognitive Impairment – 1 teacher/2 aides per 12
students. (Once the 13th student is added, another aide
must be provided.)
Moderate Cognitive Impairment – 1 teacher/1 aide per 15
students. (Or 1 teacher/3 aides for 30 students)
Mild Cognitive Impairment – 1 teacher and if there are
more than 12 students, an aide must be added
Classroom Modifications
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Always present information in a clear precise
manner
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Repeat information in different ways
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Avoid clichés and jargons
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Break activities into small steps
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Always adapt to the specific disability that the
student has
Modifications for Providing
Concentrations and Staying Organized
Providing Concentrations
Staying Organized
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Reduce distractions
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Provide quiet work spaces
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Allow for sound
machines/allow the
students to listen to
soothing music
Plan for uninterrupted work
time
Increase natural lighting
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Make daily to-do lists
Remind students of daily
activities through emails
and hand outs
Schedule weekly meets
with teachers or aides to
discuss weekly goals
Use a timer or other device
to help students manage
time
Modifications for memory deficits and
interactions with staff
Memory Deficits
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Allow students to record
lectures
Provide typed notes for
students
Use notebooks or computers to
record notes
Provide written and vocal
instructions, checklists, and
visual reminders
Interactions with staff
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Provide positive enthusiasm at
all times
Write clear expectations of the
rules down for the students to
learn
Allow for open communication
Establish written long-term and
short-term goals
Modifications for Stress and Emotions
and Maintaining Stamina
Stress and Emotions
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Refer to student advising or
counseling programs
Maintaining Stamina
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Provide sensitivity training to
the staff
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Allow the student time to
manage stress and emotions
Recognize that change in staff
or the school may be stressful
for the student
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Have flexible scheduling
Allow longer or more frequent
breaks
Allow time for counseling
Provide for group learning
experiences
Have only part-time school
schedules
Assistive Technology
Intellikeys
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Intellikeys are special keyboards
that plug into regular computers
through the USB port.
By presenting a more simplified
version of a standard keyboard, they
allow students with cognitive
disabilities to navigate computers
more easily.
Different keys can be added as
necessary to accomodate different
courses and students
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TuffTalker PLUS
- TuffTalker PLUS is a portable and
highly durable device that
resembles a computer monitor.
- Different keys represent different
words, phrases, and sounds. This
allows students with cognitive
disabilities to communicate more
efficiently.
- The TuffTalker also helps students
practice reading and comprehension
as they use it to communicate
Assistive Technolgy
MAPS
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Memory Aid Prompting System
Uses a PDA format to help students
w/cognitive disabilities remember
how to perform tasks in and out of
the classroom.
Provides written and verbal prompts
when necessary.
PEAT
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Allows for greater independence in
the classroom. Students may find it
easier to do tasks w/a great deal of
supervision
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-Planning and Execution Assistant
and Trainer
- Uses artifical intelligence
originally designed for use with
NASA robots.
- Similar to MAPS in function.
- Monitors task performance and
completion, and adjusts schedules
and assignments as necessary.
- Can be used with cellular phones
and PDA devices
Resources
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Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities:
http://www.ocecd.org/mentalRetDis.php
-A statewide, nonprofit organization that serves families of infants,
toddlers, children and youth with disabilities in Ohio, and agencies who
provide services to them
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WebAim. Web Accessibility in Mind: http://webaim.org
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-Provides web based resources for individuals with disabilities.
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NCDAE: The National Center on Disability and Access to Education
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http://new.ncdae.org
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-The National Center on Disability and Access to Education (NCDAE)
monitors and promotes electronically-mediated distance education policies
and practices that enhance the lives of people with disabilities and their
families.
Resources
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Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities:
http://odmrdd.state.oh.us
-Guide to assist Individuals and their families to understand the Ohio
Developmental Disabilities Profile
CHADD.ORG: http://www.chadd.org/
-CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is
the nation's leading non-profit organization serving individuals with AD/HD and
their families. CHADD has over 16,000 members in 200 local chapters throughout
the U.S. Chapters offer support for individuals, parents, teachers, professionals,
and others.
The Family Center on Technology and Disability: http://www.fctd.info