Reading is an essential skill. Unfortunately, early literacy is often overlooked for children with disabilities. Assumptions are made about the child’s ability and, without a proper evaluation and properly managed IEP, many are left to fend for themselves.
Writing off children with disabilities is a great disservice and undermines the foundation they need to be successful. Many schools and libraries opt to create reading programs for children with disabilities to combat this.
What is a reading program?
A reading program supports children who struggle in literacy and challenges advanced readers. Reading programs are not unique to children with disabilities, but specialized programs for a variety of abilities exist.
These programs aim to encourage and assist in building reading skills for children with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities who need extra support. But programs do not exist merely to catch the student up—they are (generally) designed with specialized learning processes that are intended to significantly improve a child's literacy and quality of education.
For example, a child with vision loss may need extra support learning Braille. A child with ADHD may need someone to sit with her and help her remain on task, but she is not necessarily behind in reading.
Are these programs separate from general education?
People like to think of special education programs, where segregated programming created significant inequalities for students with disabilities. However, today, reading programs are not a segregated experience. In fact, there are cooperative programs that exist which require students to work in teams and emphasize socialized learning rather than instructor-led facilitation.
Most teachers now understand how to accommodate children with disabilities, even when doing so has the potential to be disruptive − for example, a child with a behavioral condition. Educators have realized that separating students with disabilities is not a feasible solution, nor is it healthy for children, or helpful − the idea is to continuously foster an environment in which students can actively participate in their education and live their lives independently.
Not only does the “mainstreaming” of all students assist with development and literacy, but it also allows the healthy social growth of children as they learn to get along with everyone.
What does a reading program need?
Typically, a reading program requires staff therapists and teacher’s aides to work collaboratively in a school setting. These are professionals trained in accommodating students with reading-related or behavioral disabilities and have the knowledge and ability to best serve their students.
Reading programs also require patience and funding. Professionals working in this area should have a working knowledge of students' needs, accommodations, appropriate funding, and the patience to work closely with students struggling in literacy without becoming frustrated.
Schools working to implement support programs should identify resources, sustainable program policies, and establish collaborative relationships with parents and students − working relationships that embrace a students' unique abilities and learning needs. This requires the cooperation of school administrators, the community, and school staff.
For more information about reading programs, visit Adlit's All About Adolescent Literacy and Effective Reading Programs.
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