Definition:

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"Significant cognitive disabilities is a term coined by the U.S. Department of Education (2005) to describe a group of students who receive special education services under a variety of eligibility categories (e.g., autism, intellectual dis ability, multiple disabilities, etc." (Erickson & Geist, 2016) ​It is important to note that the percentages of students with co-occuring conditions are underestimated." Children with HIN often have physical, cognitive, sensory, emotional, and learning disabilities that may be co-occuring. The nature of the multiple disabilities results in complex individuals that often require individualized, intensive interventions.

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Because of the different academic and social needs of individuals with HIN, they often work with Reading Specialists, Speech and Language Pathologists (SLPs), Special Education teachers, etc. It takes a team of trained professionals working together to ensure that children with HIN receive the education that they are entitled to. 

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As a Reading Specalist, it is my job to make sure that students are recievining the correct literacy instruction in the classroom. Is your child an emergent reader/writer -or- a conventional reader/writer? A reading specialist can help you answer these questions.

Reading specialists can work with general education teachers and special education teachers to reinforce mainstreaming all children in the general education classroom during literacy lessons. All children, regardless of ability level, have the ability to read and write. We just need to give children those opportunities. 

• Individuals who use Aided AAC or sign language are typically confined using those ways to communicate

  • Using symbolic systems to communicate can create more opportunity for complex communication 

  • Students using AAC devices may use devices like the one pictures below, which allows students to convert their thoughts into verbal speech with the touch of a button. 

• Sensory & motor impairments have a negative impairment on language & literacy

  • Therefore, it is important that we give students multiple means of communication and not limit them to only one form of communication.​​

  • Students should be able to communicate, read, and write in order to have overall success in life.
    
     

Supporting Young Children With Multiple Disabilities: What Do We Know and What Do We Still Need To Learn?

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If you are a parent, please reach out to your child's teacher/counselor about resources that can aid your child in and out of the classroom. Don't be hesitant about reaching out... your child is entitled by law to have education services.