Welcome to

Children with Disabilities in the Educational Setting (formerly Introduction to Special Needs

This course is designed to examine the causes and characteristics of people with disabilities. In addition, we will explore historical background, terminology, current philosophies, legal background, parental perspectives and attitudes. In a very personal way, through interactions with each other and those in the disabled community, you will become more aware of your feelings, and the feelings of those in the community at large, regarding those with disabilities.

Interaction Plan

Pauline Curry:  Contact Numbers: h. 568-8902 w. 536-2401 x 3007

Office Hours:  none

Email Address:  pcurry@hcc.mass.edu or vpaulinecurry@yahoo.com

  x  Asynchronous Course   

Asynchronous: This kind of distance education is characterized by an emphasis on "learning on demand" or "as needed communication" between students and faculty from multiple locations at times convenient to participants.

This course may include, but not be restricted to, the following interactions:

1. No office hours

2. telephone interactions YES as needed

3. electronic interactions ( email, internet. ..) YES

Telephone calls and Internet contacts will be responded to on a regular basis throughout the course.

Students are required to engage in the following interaction(s) for successful completion of this course: The Internet format of this course is considered to be “asynchronous”. This term means that the interactions can happen on the Internet within a broad framework at times that are convenient for you. Your participation in a discussion may take place at 2 a.m. or at 12 noon. Your participation, however, is critical to being successful.

This course could also include the use of readings from the text, information obtained from materials provided on-line by the instructor, written summaries of topics read or observed within the community relative to disabilities, weekly group discussions on-line about particular topics related to disabilities, a 20 hour required project in an inclusive classroom setting with a report on this project done on-line.

Participation will be graded. Quizzes and the final exam will be done on-line. The 20 hour service-learning project can be done at the inclusive program of your choice with the support of an on-site supervisor. Inclusive means a program that includes both those with disabilities and those without. The on-site supervisor will be responsible for awarding your grade for the 20-hour component. For those taking this course in the summer, it is essential that you identify your placement for the 20 hours before you start the course due to the course length. The book used is Exceptional Lives: Special Education in Today's Schools by Ann Turnbull.