I am a student at UAlbany, earning my Masters Degree in Information Science School Library. I have always been an advocate for children, teens, and adults with disabilities and supporting them in every way possible to help foster an inclusive learning environment for them.
My audience for this LibGuide is students in the Education Major and all current educators. These can be students in undergraduate or graduate programs. The main focus is students with disabilities at any age level, along with a focus on a variety of different subject areas. Educators of any age or subject matter will come across students with disabilities, so gathering a variety of materials to show these educators how to support students with disabilities is crucial for a positive learning experience. This LibGuide is important because educating students with disabilities can be challenging, especially if it is not the specialty of the teacher. Helping to make all students, no matter their abilities, feel included will support not only the students but the community as a whole.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, "a disability is any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with the world around them (participation restrictions)" (Disability and Health Overview).
Some disabilities include, but are not limited to:
Vision Cognition
Hearing Communication
Movement Mental Health