Discussion : Living with Disability

This week, you have explored the concept of disability in today's society and examined issues and challenges that face children and adolescents with disabilities.

In this Discussion, you will choose a specific disability and consider how a child or adolescent with this disability might experience the world.

To begin, choose a disability or disorder that you would like to learn more about.

Some possibilities include:

•Cognitive impairment

•Visual impairment

•Hearing impairment

•Orthopedic impairment

•Motor disorders

•Health impairments

•Traumatic brain injury

•Depressive or anxiety disorders

•Behavioral disorders

•Autism

You may select one of the examples listed above, or another one of your choice. After making your selection, locate and read at least two different sources of information about this topic, using Internet, print, and/or Walden Library resources.

Familiarize yourself with the major characteristics of the disability and disorder. Then, in light of this research, reflect on the following:

•What challenges might a child or adolescent (you may choose a specific age on which to focus) who has this disability or disorder face at home, at school, and in the community?

For example, would he or she likely face any issues related to inclusion at school? What types of stereotypes or bias might he or she face? How might he or she address these challenges?

•How might this child or adolescent's experience be different from peers who do not have this disability or disorder? How might this child or adolescent's experiences be similar to those of peers?

•How might the disability influence the child's or adolescent's cultural identity? With these thoughts in mind, follow the instructions below to post your response to this Discussion topic.

Post a description of how a child or adolescent with the disability you selected might experience life at home, at school, and/or in community settings.

Explain at least two specific challenges he or she might face, and how these challenges might be addressed.

In addition, explain if and how the disability might differentiate a child or adolescent from peers, as well as how the disability might influence the child's or adolescent's cultural identity.

Be sure to cite the Learning Resources and/or the resources found throughout your independent research to support your ideas.