Specialized intervention can facilitate the successful participation of children with disabilities in early care and education settings/programs with their peers when Universal design and Universal Design for Learning principles do not provide enough support for a child’s learning. Adaptations (referred to as accommodations and modifications in the IDEA) are the services and embedded supports that improve a child’s access to learning by modifying an activity or material to meet a child’s unique needs. Adaptations vary, depending on a child’s unique learning needs, from simple to complex.
a “low tech” adaptation: using a rubber mat to keep crayons from rolling off an art table.
a “high tech” adaptation: using an augmentative communication device to answer a question or make a choice.
Watch this video of Luke using his voice output device to make choices during a family trip to the grocery store (from Project CONNECT, The Center to Mobilize Early Childhood Knowledge).
Adaptations and focused social supports enable children to demonstrate what they are learning as well as participate in everyday routines and activities as independently as possible. They also reduce the hands-on assistance needed from adults, allowing them to focus their attention and energy on helping children participate in early childhood settings with peers to successfully achieve their IEP goals (Nolet & McLaughlin, 2000).
A well-organized early childhood environment revolves around activity centers and routines that reflect a curriculum designed to foster developmentally appropriate learning through play and exploration. It also reflects a delicate balance between stability and flexibility. Centers provide all children access to learning materials and concepts, as well as the means to communicate with their peers, teachers and caregivers.
Example: Centers can be equipped with picture symbols, communication boards and devices that offer key vocabulary for theme-based concepts and specific center activities. Switches on electronic devices such as tape recorders are enable all children can activate them independently. Books can be displayed individually on accessible racks so they are easily picked up.
