Multiple Disabilities

By: Christina Manzo-Marquez

IDEAs definition
Multiple disabilities means concomitant impairments (such as
MululMbbgultiple
intellectual
impairment-blindness, intellectual impairmentorthopedic impairment,etc.), the combination of which causes
such severe educational needs that they cannot b accommodated
in special education programs solely for one of the impairments.
The term does not include deaf-blindness. (IDEA 20 U.S.C
1401 [2004], 20 C.F.R. 300.8 [c][7])

Disability Identification
Identification typically occurs at birth, during infancy, or after
some specific trauma, and the need for special education
services is obvious (La Paro, Olsen, & Pianta, 2002).
This group of students is the smallest amongst all the
students with disabilities.
The assessments given to these students are not so much to
determine their eligibility, but rather to develop a quality
educational program.

Causes of Multiple Disabilities

Some causes may include:

Lack of oxygen at birth

chromosomal abnormalities
premature birth
difficulties after birth
poor development of the brain or spinal cord
genetic disorders
injuries from accidents

(Friend, 2014)

Social and Emotional

These students have difficulty communicating orally because of intellectual
and physical challenges (De Bortoli, Balandin, Foreman, Arthur-Kelly,
Mathisen, 2012;Ogltree,Bruce, Finch, Fahey, & McLean, 2011).
Their speech may be difficult to understand.
These students use other forms of nonverbal communication - gestures,
manual signs, and pictures (Downing, 2005a; Ferm, Ahlsen, & BjorckAkesson, 2012).

 These students limitations in communication contribute to

their social and emotional skills lagging behind that of their
peers.
They require direct instruction in how and when to use
language or alternative forms of communication to initiate and
respond to others (e.g., Shokoohi-Yekta & Hendrickson, 2010;
Werner, Vismara, Koegel, & Koegel, 2006).

Early Childhood

These students enter school without the basic skills that most children
acquire without effort.Their communication skills may be severely
delayed. They may demonstrate minimal social skills (Friend, 2014).

While some children are learning to walk, some are learning to sit, crawl, or
stand (McDonnell et al.,2003).

Elementary

Students with multiple disabilities learn slower than their peers. They need multiple
opportunities to practice each skill.
They struggle with abstract concepts.
When teaching these student you have to present everything in a concrete way.
Many of these students receive their education in segregated programs with an
emphasis on life skills (Friend, 2014).

Assessments for Instruction

Students with multiple disabilities do not perform well in formal

assessment situations.

Alternatives to formal and norm-referenced assessments generally are

recommended (Friend, 2014).

Transition and Adulthood

In high school, these students are given adult options similar to those of their peers
without disabilities but often time their options are limited due to fear and low
expectations combine.
Students sometimes spend one or two periods each day in the community, either
working at a particular job or learning to access community resources.
These students usually attend school until they are 22 years old (Friend, 2014).

Transition and Adulthood Continuation

When they leave high school some might work at grocery stores bagging or
stocking shelves, at offices making copies or shredding papers, or in kitchens
loading and unloading the dishwashers.

Those that are not employed may live in a separate residential setting, attend a
special adult day center, or work in a sheltered workshop, where they complete
repetitive or made-up tasks for little or no pay (Friend, 2014).

References
Friend, M.P. (2014). Special education: Contemporary perspectives for school
professionals (4th ed.). Upper saddle river, New jersey: Pearson.
IDEA-Building The Legacy of IDEA 2004. (n.d.). Retrieved February 21, 2016,
from http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/,root,regs,300,A,300%2E8,
Severe and/or Multiple Disabilities. (2008). Retrieved February 21, 2016, from
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/teaching/Disabilities/Services to
Children wth Disabilities/Disabilities/disabl_fts_00016_061105.html

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