Brief Reference of Student Disabilities : . with Strategies for the Classroom

"This is a book that ought to be included in every teacher′s opening packet each school year. It′s an uncomplicated, easy-to-read guide to the exceptional child′s needs and rights in the regular classroom that is at once comprehensive and accessible."
Joseph Staub, Resource Specialist Teacher
Thomas Starr King Middle School
Los Angeles, CA

In today′s classrooms, teachers at every grade level instruct students with a wide range of disabilities and disorders. Now there is a comprehensive and easy-to-understand reference that not only covers the majority of the exceptionalities that educators are likely to encounter in any classroom, but also provides a concise explanation of the current laws that guide teacher behavior.

Brief Reference of Student Disabilities…With Strategies for the Classroom begins with an overview of legal issues that teachers need to know, and how these issues can affect the disciplining of students with disabilities. The book then offers insights into creating a positive and inclusive learning environment, with special emphasis on understanding and working with parents of students with disabilities.

Specific disabilities discussed range from ADHD, dyslexia, hearing impairment, and emotional disturbances to muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, aphasia, and cerebral palsy, to list only a few. Health disorders such as asthma, diabetes, heart disorders, and hemophilia are also addressed.

In addition to suggestions for classroom instruction, other features include:

• Compilation of common disability-related acronyms
• List of children′s books dealing with disabilities
• Directory of programs and resources for students with disabilities

This practical book is an all-in-one health, disability, and legal resource for every teacher working in today′s inclusive classrooms!

Lee Brattland Nielsen has taught for more than 25 years at the elementary, secondary, and university levels. While teaching at California Lutheran University, she taught “Mainstreaming the Exceptional Student” to teachers and students who were working toward their teaching credentials.

She founded and worked for 2 years as the program director of WTHS, Dade County′s educational broadcasting station in Miami, Florida. During this period, she coordinated all the educational programming. During her teaching experience, she has worked with many children with many types of exceptionalities. As a resource specialist teacher, she taught students with learning disabilities in the Los Angeles Unified School District. She believes in a positive approach to learning, with emphasis on building self-esteem in all students.

Nielsen received her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Minnesota. She took postgraduate studies at the University of Florida; California State University, Northridge; University of California, Berkeley; and California Lutheran University. Her California teaching credentials include a Lifetime Standard Credential, a Special Education Learning Handicapped Credential, and a Special Education Resource Specialist Credential. She also has held teaching credentials in Arizona and Florida.