This chapter introduces the topic of the text, with an emphasis on its importance
in the field. While considerable change has occurred in the field with
support from judicial, legislative, and advocacy areas, many students with
moderate to severe disabilities are still waiting to receive a high-quality and
appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. It is insufficient for
students with moderate or severe disabilities to be physically present in general
education classrooms without receiving the individualized and systematic
instruction that is needed to learn. Curricular adaptations are essential to allow
cognitive, physical, sensory, and motivational access, but specific instruction
for each student is also needed to ensure that learning occurs, and students are
truly a part of the learning community.
Certain premises of the text have been highlighted in this chapter and will be
assumed throughout the remainder of the text. These assumptions include presumed
competence of all learners, the benefits of students learning together, the
critical role that family members play in the education and assessment of their
child, the use of a positive behavioral approach in all interactions with students,
and the belief that students should be encouraged to advocate for themselves
(self-determination). Such assumptions are considered critical to attaining a highquality
education for students with moderate to severe disabilities.
In Chapter 2, strategies that have been found to be effective in the teaching
of students having moderate to severe intellectual disabilities will be described
even though some of these strategies have been tested and employed in special
education environments only. Considerable support exists for several different
intervention strategies for students with moderate to severe disabilities that
have helped these students learn. The importance of applying such strategies in
inclusive classrooms will be stressed.