Teaching an adult with a developmental disability presents specific challenges, because while they may not have the same skills and understanding as neuro-typical people of the same age, they are still adults with relevant experiences, and cannot be treated like a child. Developmental delay teaching strategies need to take this into account.
1. Collaborate with the student
Before you start teaching an adult with a developmental disability, you need to acknowledge them as an adult, with their thoughts, feelings and opinions. They should be involved as much as possible in the decision-making. This includes helping them identify their interests and goals, rather than trying to impose other people’s expectations, and respecting their privacy as much as possible in any communications with parents or caregivers.
2. Part-time or full-time
Programs can be full-time or part-time, which allows the opportunity to decide whether you want a broader or narrower focus. A full-time program can include both classes on independent living and work experience placements, while part-time programs may only focus on one, with the occasional element from the other. This gives students more flexibility depending on where their interests lie, the amount of time they have available relative to their other commitments, and how well they can manage the demands of a full-time schedule.
3. Group by ability
Mainstream schools tend to group students by age above all else. Special needs schools focus more on ability, so students with similar needs are placed in the same classes. This can continue for adults with developmental disabilities. Grouping by need, particularly if the groups are small, makes it easier to provide individualized and differentiated instruction and allows coaches to engage more directly with each student.
4. Integrate skills
Each student comes into these programs with their goals, based on their strengths and weaknesses. Some will want to focus more on foundational academics, some on the skills of independent living and others on workplace skills. It is important to remember that these different areas are not completely separate. All of these skills can feed into each other and will be used in conjunction when living a successful adult life. Programs help students realize how it all fits together so they can use multiple skills at once.
5. Ensure all students have a computer or tablet
Technology is essential to survive in the modern world, and for someone with a developmental disability, it can be a powerful accessibility tool to aid with communication and organization, particularly for those with speech and language difficulties. Ensuring every student has their own device, loaded with appropriate software, means they all start in the same place, they are more reachable for teachers, and they have the opportunity to improve their digital literacy. This will also help prepare them for life outside of the classroom, where technology is ubiquitous.
6. Organize social occasions
It’s not all about formal instruction. Teachers can organize social events for their students, preferably at the end of the week when classes are finished, giving them the chance to de-stress, have fun and hopefully make some new friendships while practising their social skills in a more relaxed setting.
There are many ways that developmental disabilities day programs can support their students, but the most important thing to remember is that each person is an individual with their own interests, strengths and weaknesses, and the program should be tailored to suit their specific needs.
