Multiple Disabilities

Multiple Disabilities

Multiple disabilities is a term for a person with several disabilities, such as a sensory disability associated with a motor disability.

Depending on the definition, a severe intellectual disability may be included in the term "multiple disabilities". Individual usually has more than one significant disability, such as movement difficulties, sensory loss, and/or a behavior or emotional disorder.

Children with multiple disabilities will have a combination of various disabilities that may include: speech, physical mobility, learning, mental retardation, visual, hearing, brain injury and possibly others.

Definition of Multiple Disabilities

“Multiple disabilities” means concomitant [simultaneous] impairments (such as intellectual disability-blindness, intellectual disability-orthopedic impairment, etc.), the combination of which causes such severe educational needs that they cannot be accommodated in a special education program solely for one of the impairments. The term does not include deaf-blindness.

Causes of Multiple Disabilities

Having multiple disabilities means that a person has more than one disability. What caused the disabilities? Often, no one knows. With some children, however, the cause is known.

For example, Sharon’s disabilities were caused by a lack of oxygen at birth. Other causes can include:

·         Chromosomal abnormalities,

·         Premature birth,

·         Difficulties after birth

·         Poor development of the brain or spinal cord

·         Infections,

·         Genetic disorders

·         Injuries from accidents

Multiple Disabilities Aren’t All the Same

The term multiple disabilities is general and broad. From the term, you can’t tell:

·         how many disabilities a child has;

·         which disabilities are involved; or

·         how severe each disability is.

Many combinations of disabilities are possible. For example, one child with multiple disabilities may have an intellectual disability and deafness. To support, parent, or educate a child with multiple disabilities, it’s important to know:

·         which individual disabilities are involved;

·         how severe (or moderate or mild) each disability is; and

·         how each disability can affect learning and daily living.

Supporting Children with Multiple Disabilities

Most children with multiple disabilities will need some level of help and support throughout their lives. How much support a child needs will depend on the disabilities involved.

A child with mild multiple disabilities may only need intermittent support (meaning, support is needed every now and again, or for particular tasks). Children with multiple, more severe disabilities are likely to need ongoing support.Support in major life activities | When considering what supports a child needs, it’s helpful to think about major life activities. “Major life activities” include activities such as:caring for oneself;performing manual tasks;seeing, hearing, eating, and sleeping;walking, standing, lifting, and bending;speaking and communicating;breathing;learning;reading;concentrating and thinking; and,working.

Accommodations/strategies

A multi-disciplinary team consisting of the student’s parents, educational specialists, and medical specialists in the areas in which the individual demonstrates problems should work together to plan and coordinate necessary services.Involvement of the appropriate professionals (E.g. occupational therapists, speech/language therapist etc.)

·         The arrangement of places school and homes must be easily accessible.

·         Have a buddy system that ensures their needs are heard and that they get aid when needed.

·         Give Simple and Specific and Systematic instructions to what you exactly want the person to do.

·         Use visual aids when communicating with the child.

·         Engage the child regularly in oral language activity.