L1 - Legislation and Trends

Question 1

What is a disability?

Answer 1

A disability is any condition that restricts a person’s mental, sensory or mobility functions.

Question 2

What causes disabilities?

Answer 2

Disabilities could be caused by an accident, trauma, genetics or disease.

Question 3

A disability may be:

Answer 3

• temporary or permanent
• total or partial
• lifelong or acquired
• visible or invisible.

Almost 90% of disabilities are invisible.

Question 4

What is Special Education?

Answer 4

Special Education consists of programs designed to meet special learning needs of students.

Question 5

What are the types of students catered for in Special Education?

Answer 5

Those with:

1. An intellectual disability
2. A physical disability
3. A learning difficulty/disability
4. An Autism Spectrum Disorder
5. A sensory impairment
6. English as a Second Language
7. A gift or talent

Question 6

Impairment Definition

Answer 6

The loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function. E.g. Loss of vision, hearing, mental illness, loss of a limb.

Question 7

Disability definition

Answer 7

Restriction or lack of ability as a result of an impairment. E.g. can’t read, can’t hear, can’t focus on tasks, difficulty walking.

Question 8

Handicap definition

Answer 8

Disadvantage experienced by an individual resulting from an impairment or disability that limits or prevents normal roles for that individual. E.g. Unable to learn in a classroom, unable to keep a job, limited choices for leisure activities.

Question 9

The Move to Inclusion

Answer 9

The fundamental principles of inclusion are far deeper than those of integration. These include:

• Increasing the participation of students with disabilities
• Reducing their exclusion
• Having schools respond to the diversity of students’ needs
• Accomodating both different styles and rates of learning
• Education for all students through appropriate curricula, support and teaching strategies
• Inclusion in education is one aspect of inclusion in society.

Question 10

Principles of Inclusive Education - Exam Q

Answer 10

• All students have the right to access education to meet their potential
• Identification and removal of barriers for students who may be at risk of marginalisation, exclusion or underachievement.
• Participation and achievement of ALL students.
• Collaboration between all parties - educators, parents, community members, service providers
• Curriculum Modification where necessary
• Resources and services to support inclusive education.

INCLUSION IS AN ONGOING PROCESS

Question 11

Least Restrictive Environment definition

Answer 11

To the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities are educated with children without disabilities

Question 12

Models of Disability

Answer 12

1. Religious Model
2. Medical Model
3. Normalisation Principle
4. Rights-Based Model

Question 13

ACRA - Australian Curriculum

Answer 13

Most students with special education needs can engage with the curriculum provided the necessary adjustments are made to:

• the learning activities
• the learning environment
• assessment strategies.

For other students, teachers need to focus on content from a different year level of the Australian Curriculum.
ACRA has developed additional curriculum content and achievement standards for students unable to access the regular curriculum.

Question 14

ABLEWA

Answer 14

Compromises of curriculum materials (Stages A to D) and an assessment tool (ABLES).

Supports the teaching and learning of students with disability and additional learning needs.

7 learning domains.