For the assignment, I decided to go with Cerebral Palsy as my Orthopedic Impairment. I then chose Diabetes as my Health Impairment.
I found a lovely article by teach-nology.com, (1), that gives some great insight on teaching tips with students with Cerebral Palsy.
Some accommodations that it says can be made for students with cerebral palsy. Since their IQ are relatively unaffected by the disability, they need to be challenged intellectually on the same curriculum as their peers, along with nondisabled peers.Though, many of the formats that they are being tested on need some adjustment. Teachers and schools need to design the classroom as to not exclude any wheelchair bound children. So they can easily and safely move around the room as needed. Discussing with the parent can greatly help. Asking how they have made efforts in assisting the child might lead to some helpful tips. As for assistive technology, now. For students that have cerebral palsy, many of these students lack the fine motor skill that their peers have access to. So assistive technology is a must for them. Something as simple as an enlarged keyboard, or a vocally accessible computer will work fine. For some younger children, boards that use pictures or words might be appropriate for them.
Making sure to include students with Cerebral Palsy in the class is key to making sure they keep pace with their peers. And not fall behind.
For Diabetes, I found a helpful article by edmed.arizona.edu, (2). In this article, they explain certain complications that are found with students who have diabetes. Along with ways of tackling the issue. The biggest issue seen through it, being missed school days. To combat this issue, accommodations can be made to put the student in the best position possible. Such as: Self management strategies, mapping, peer tutoring programs, direct performance feedback, direct instruction strategies, cooperative learning groups, modified timing of academic instruction, and reasonable and appropriate expectations. Making the best situation for the student, as possible. Students with diabetes have not been known to lack in the intelligence. The disability is mostly just holding the students back in their ability to perform at their full capabilities.
Citation:
Teachnology. (2018). Cerebral Palsy In The Classroom. http://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/special_ed/disabilities/cp/
The University of Arizona. (2018). Classroom Problems and Solutions - Diabetes. https://edmedkids.arizona.edu/content/classroom-problems-and-solutions-diabetes