Profile of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Intake Assessment (at the beginning of a literacy program)
Developmental Disabilities Learning Disabilities
  • Entry level or below
  • Fairly consistent levels in all areas
  • May present as having language or behavior issues
  • May live in a protected living environment
  • Often indistinguishable from other learners
  • Abilities “all over the map”
  • Wide discrepancy in abilities
  • May have had behavior problems in school

Teaching Techniques
Developmental Disabilities Learning Disabilities
  • Supportive
  • Concrete
  • Relative
  • Focused on goal
  • Repetitive
  • Challenging
  • Tricks
  • Strategies
  • Accommodations
  • Build on strengths
  • “Ignore” weaknesses
  • Problem solving (organization)