Definition
The multiple disabilities category under IDEA includes a variety of learners. According to Project IDEAL, "As the term suggests, this disability category encompasses a combination of conditions that may impact a student's ability to learn and achieve success in an academic setting. Students with severe disabilities are typically included under this umbrella terminology. Multiple disabilities are defined in one regulation as "concomitant impairments (such as mental retardation-blindness, mental retardation-orthopedic impairment, etc.), the combination of which causes such severe educational problems that they cannot be accommodated in special education programs solely for one of the impairments." (34 C.F.R., sec. 300[b][6])
Characteristics
Since multiple disabilities includes a variety of learners, there are a variety of characteristics a child can display. Characteristics vary, but may include:
- Significant limitations in adaptive behaviors
- Significant limitations in intellectual functioning
- Difficulty using motor skills
- Difficulty with communicating with others
- Low sensory functioning
Accommodations
Accommodations for students with multiple disabilities vary, but may include:
- Eliminate unnecessary background noise
- Student works one-on-one with the teacher or in a quiet area alone
- Allow stop-the-clock breaks or "wiggle" breaks
- Orally read the assignment or assessment aloud
- Repeat topics constantly and consistently
- Give the child constant praise for hard work and dedication
Modifications
Modifications for students with multiple disabilities vary, but may include:
- Print and copy assignments in large font
- Print and copy assignments with clear, large photos
- Learning content through functional, every day tasks
- Allow the use of manipulatives during assignments and assessments
- Provide individual student schedules with pictures for each activity
- Modify curriculum to include sensory needs
Resources
- Multiple Disabilities
This website contains information regarding what multiple disabilities includes, prevalence, characteristics, and impact on learning. This is a great resource for teachers to better understand this disability under IDEA.
- Multiple Disabilities
This is a great resource for parents to better understand multiple disabilities. It includes tips for parents and teachers, resources and organizations, and causes for multiple disabilities, among many other topics.
- Guidelines for Determining Eligibility for a Child with an Intellectual Disability or Multiple Disabilities
An extensive resource written by the Colorado Department of Education on determining a child's eligibility under intellectual disabilities or multiple disabilities.
- Severe and/or Multiple Disabilities NICHCY Fact Sheet 10
A website dedicated to identifying the definition, characteristics, medical implications, and educational implications for students with multiple disabilities.
- Multiple Disabilities -- What are Multiple Disabilities?
This website contains information about multiple disabilities by providing examples and additional related articles for parents or teachers to read.