Theories and Frameworks for Teaching Disabled Learners Report

This report delves into the core principles and practical applications of teaching disabled learners, encompassing various theories, frameworks, and policies. It begins with an introduction highlighting the importance of inclusive education and the specific needs of disabled learners. Task A explores the significance of research, learning theories (like multiple intelligences and behavioral theory), and the social model of disability in shaping learning opportunities. It also addresses the impact of attitudes towards disability, the definition of inclusive learning, its importance, and the challenges in implementing a whole-organization approach. Task B examines national, regional, and local policies influencing disabled individuals, the role of risk assessment in curriculum, legal requirements, and the significance of organizations and networks in supporting learners. It also covers maintaining relationships with stakeholders, collaborative skills, and the evaluation of policy impacts. Task C focuses on how theory and research inform teaching practice and analyzes the impact of personal attitudes. The report aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of effective teaching strategies and inclusive practices for disabled learners, offering insights for educators to create supportive and enriching learning environments.

Understanding Theories
and Framework for
Teaching Disabled
Learners

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
TASK-A...........................................................................................................................................3
a) Importance of research in development of learning and teaching opportunities for disabled
learners........................................................................................................................................3
b) Theories of learning help in applying learning and teaching practice....................................4
c) Social model of disability which influence learning opportunities of disabled learners........4
d) Attitude to disability influence learning opportunities of disabled learners...........................5
e) Analysis of how inclusive learning is defined........................................................................5
f) Importance of inclusive learning for disabled learners...........................................................5
g) Challenges related with implementation of whole organisational approach to inclusive
learning........................................................................................................................................6
h) Approaches to communication and language development influence inclusive practice.......6
TASK-B...........................................................................................................................................7
a) National, regional and local policies which influence disabled young people and adults......7
b) Explain how risk assessment influence curriculum................................................................8
c) How legal requirements and national policies and guidance promote rights and well-being
of learners....................................................................................................................................8
d) Role of organisations and networks to support disabled learners...........................................8
e) Ways to maintain relationship with parents, carers and others...............................................9
f) Skills needed to work collaboratively with disabled learners.................................................9
g) Evaluate the impact of policy and regulatory framework on local initiative........................10
TASK-C.........................................................................................................................................10
a) Explain how theory and research inform own practice.........................................................10
b) Analyse the impact of own attitude on professional practice...............................................11
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................12
References......................................................................................................................................13

Introduction
Education is a fundamental right to all the children and must be given regardless of their
background and level of abilities by providing them an all-inclusive learning environment so that
they can get the level of education and respect they deserve. Tutoring children which disabilities
pose various challenges and need special consideration so that the specific needs of these
children can be efficiently met (Akcil, 2018). It is important that appropriate models and
frameworks are followed so that disabled learners can be given proper education which can help
in their personal and professional development so that they can grow and develop like all the
people in their age group. In this report the models, theories, frameworks related to learning and
teaching of disabled young people and adults will be discussed along with the policies which
influence their learning practices. Further a reflection is produced which will help in mapping
personal attitude towards inclusive practice so that effective teaching atmosphere can be created
for them. This report will thus help in understanding about the efficient manner in which
disabled learners of all age groups can be taught effectively.
TASK-A
a) Importance of research in development of learning and teaching opportunities for disabled
learners
According the views of Danielle, 2015, it is important that students with all disabilities
and backgrounds are given an inclusive learning environment so that they can be given education
and respect which they deserve. It is essential that effective research is conducted so as to
develop learning and teaching opportunities related to disabled learners as this can help in
determining the special consideration and requirements of these students. This can help in
creating a special environment where their special needs are fulfilled and effective
communication can be established between the learners and tutors so that they can understand
the teachings given to them in a better manner (Aubrey and Riley, 2018). For creating an equal
learning environment for all the students it is important that the special needs of these children
are identified so that effective measures can be taken so that these needs can be effectively
fulfilled. Disabled learners also create teaching opportunities like the people who are interested
in helping the people with disabilities can open learning centres and by following the policies,
frameworks and models which are related with educating disabled learners can be effectively

applied. Learning opportunities can be created for them so that they can learn about the subjects
which interests them and help them in growing and developing their desired career so that they
can survive respectfully in the environment.
b) Theories of learning help in applying learning and teaching practice
As per the views of Mather and Wendling, (2018), Various theories related to learning
can be applied for disabled learners so that learning and teaching practices can help in giving
equal learning chances to all the students regardless of their disabilities. The theory of multiple
intelligences which was produced by Howard Gardner states that all the people have different
kinds of intelligences which help them in gaining information in different ways and reacting to
different situations differently. As per this theory there are eight types of intelligences like
verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, visual-saptial, musical, naturalistic, bodily-kinesthetic,
interpersonal and intra-personal intelligence. All these intelligences help them in processing
information in a different manner and also help in determining their interests. Another theory
which can be applied is Skinner's behavioural theory which was given by B.F. Skinner who said
that the behaviour of a person is determined by its consequences with respect to the
reinforcement or punishment which will attract a particular kind of behaviour and will also
determine the likelihood of the occurrence of similar behaviour again. These theories can be
applied in the learning environment so that the disabled learners can be taught based on the level
of their intelligence and also their behaviour so that they can be given effective teaching which
can help in their development and also help in their learning process (Bandura, 2018).
c) Social model of disability which influence learning opportunities of disabled learners
According to the views of Kim, (2018), the people wit disabilities are seen as being
disabled not because of their impairments by because of the society's failure to consider their
special needs and treat them equally. The social model of disability also impacts on creating an
inclusive learning environment for disabled learners based on their stereotypes and prejudices
which impacts the way in which opportunities are given to them which can help them in getting
equal access to education. It is important that the social model of disability is eliminated so that
equal opportunities can be provided to disabled learners which can help in improving the manner
in which learning is provided to them. This model is a way of viewing the world based on
disabled people so that the barriers which make their life harder can be recognised so that

effective actions can be taken in eliminating these barriers and providing equal learning
opportunities to all.
d) Attitude to disability influence learning opportunities of disabled learners
As per the views of Margaret, Suzanne and Majda, (2017), it is important that positive
attitude is created towards disabled learners so that they can be given an inclusive and integrated
learning environment. In order to provide equal education to all the people it is important that a
positive attitude is developed towards the disabled learners so that a friendly learning
environment can be created along with removing all the social barriers by changing the
stereotypes of people. The attitudes of society impact on the mental state of disabled learners
which can lead to lack of their confidence along with increased feelings of loneliness,
mistreatment etc. which can impact their overall growth and development. This makes it
important that the attitude of people are changed towards disabled learners so that a better
learning environment can be created and their right to education can be exercised (Hersh, 2017).
e) Analysis of how inclusive learning is defined
As per the views of Lilla, 2020, inclusive-education is the concept wherein all the
students are treated equally and are given equal learning opportunities in the learning
environment regardless of their abilities so that better learning can take place for all the students.
It can also help in improving the way in which interactions among teachers and students take
place which is essential to be improved so that confidence of disabled students can increase
which can help in enhancing their learning experience. With the help of effective
communication methods, improved social skills and more friendships learning can be improved
which can also help in creating inclusive-education. Various strategies can be considered so that
such a learning environment can be created like using a variety of instrumental formats like use
of interactive whiteboards which can help in increasing student engagement in the class. Peer-
supported learning can also be used so that a cooperative learning environment can be created.
Ensuring access to academic curricular content can also help in giving equal opportunities of
learning to all the learners and creating an inclusive education environment.
f) Importance of inclusive learning for disabled learners
According to the views of Fran, 2020, the students with special educational needs and
disabilities must be identified so that they can be given effective education so that their growth

and development can take place like the other students. This help in creating an inclusive and
integrated learning environment which is important so that as inclusive education is a human
right which help in developing a loving and caring environment for them. It also help in their
higher academic achievement, increasing their self-esteem, improving their social and
communication skills etc. so that they can lead their lives in a better manner which can help them
in developing their career. Teachers must be trained efficiently so that they can effectively meet
the special requirements of disabled learners and help in contributing towards creating a better
learning environment.
g) Challenges related with implementation of whole organisational approach to inclusive
learning
As per the views of Toni-Marie Ramos, (2018), it is essential that the challenges which
are faced during creating an inclusive learning environment are identified so that appropriate
actions can be taken which can help in meeting the special needs of the students. Some of the
challenges which are faced while creating inclusive-education are lack of experience of teachers
in an inclusion setting, lack of experience related with dealing with severe and profound
disabilities, ability to include all the students in all activities, education students with less severe
disabilities etc. All these challenges can impact on creating an inclusive learning environment for
students which must be timely identified so that actions which can help in dealing with these
challenges can be taken so that equal learning opportunities can be given to all the students. This
can help in creating a whole organisation wherein all the students are treated equally and
effective learning can be promoted among them so that they can become successful in their lives
like other students (Hewett, Douglas and Keil, 2017).
h) Approaches to communication and language development influence inclusive practice
According to the views of Dale and Karen, 2020, there are various communication
approaches which can be used so that an inclusive learning environment can be created for
disabled learners as these learners usually have difficult difficulties. The language barriers can be
eliminated with the help of using effective communication methods so that all the learners can be
involved in discussion so that effective learning can take place. The special needs of disabled
learners must be identified so that language development can be done based on the level of their
understanding and the speed at which they can learn. Use of music, art, movement, touch,

technology, sign language etc. can be done so that effective communication can be established
which can help in creating an inclusive-education.
TASK-B
a) National, regional and local policies which influence disabled young people and adults
It is crucial to develop positive attitude towards the people with disabilities so that their
specific requirement can be met up with. For ensuring this various policies has been
implemented on national, regional and local level which are given below:
National policies: Various act are enacted for managing the disabilities of the people
such as: Children and Families Act 2014: This act aims to designed the fully reform services for
the vulnerable children by way of better protection to them, special attention is paid on
the needs due to disability or any additional expectation. Also it aims to facilitate the
family of the children in different aspects.
 Health and Safety Act 1974: This is directly not applicable to the betterment of the
people but it ensures that health conditions are managed as per the disability so that they
better mental health condition can be ensured. Also for them health and safety
responsibilities are defined under the act (Mather and Wendling, 2018).
Regional policies: With the help of this the focus can be laid upon the specific group
such as: Education policies for children with disabilities: With the help of this policy it is
ensured that quality education is accessible to the children with disability and for this
system is developed that can ensure inclusion of the children easily and efficiently.
 Funding for the higher education of the students: The rights for the funding to the
disable has been provided after assessing the income of the family or the independence of
the candidate etc. The specified conditions for the ability to take the advantage of the
policy is predefined.
Local policies: The organisation such as NHS has proposed various policies such as
check ups of the students in the residential school for the hearing impairment, sight related
disability etc. so that they ability of the students can be checked upon on regular basis.

b) Explain how risk assessment influence curriculum
The risk assessment is undertaken for the disable learner in such a manner that the
services for them can be improved and enhanced along with the changes in the courses. The risk
that are analysed includes the disability of the learner to learn the particular aspects taught to
them as their level of understanding may not be compatible. With the risk assessment various
factors are analysed such as compliance of the policies on different level, cost saving centre,
availability of the resources as per the needs of the learners etc. as these are adopted by the
institution for their personal benefits. On the basis of assessment the course are designed in such
a manner that the learner can understand them along with significant techniques that can ensure
the ability to learn. Due to this the changes in the curriculum has to be made in order to reduce
the rigidity of the courses for different learners with various courses as well as abilities (Nardi
and Fernandes, 2018).
c) How legal requirements and national policies and guidance promote rights and well-being of
learners
The national policies and legal requirements help in promoting rights and well-being of
learners as they help in identifying the special needs of learners so that effective strategies can be
used which can help in fulfilling their needs. Social models of disability says that disability is
caused by the way in which society is organised and also help in identifying the societal barriers
so that these can be removed which can help the disabled people in making their own choices.
This model is concerned with eliminating the stereotypes and prejudices of society related with
disabled learners so that an inclusive learning environment can be created. SENA Act, 2001 was
created so that legal rights can be created for people having disabled and special educational
needs so that equal education can be given to all the learners. Under Equality Act, 2010 it is
unlawful for any education provider to discriminate between learners based on any lawful
differences like race, sex, gender, sex, disability etc. so that equal education can be given to all
which can help in creating inclusive-education.
d) Role of organisations and networks to support disabled learners
Various organisations need to be connected with strong networks so that disabled learners
can provided with the required facilities so that their learning can be supported which can help in
creating an inclusive learning environment. Organisations like Autistic UK which aims at
advancing the interests of all the autistic people so that their human rights can be protected;

British Deaf Association (BDA) which is a British deaf-led charity which campaigns for deaf
people who use British sign language; British Institute for Learning Disabilities (BILD) which
helps in improving the lives of people in UK having learning disabilities etc. All these
organisations work together so that the special needs of people with disability can be identified
and their welfare can be promoted. This also help in improving the learning outcomes among
disabled people so that people with learning disability are treated equally and are provided with
all the special support they need so that an effective learning environment can be created.
Establishing networks among these organisations can help in promoting overall well-being of all
the disabled learners so that equal learning opportunities can be given to them along with equal
treatment among all the workers (Salah, Saâdi and Ghezala, 2017).
e) Ways to maintain relationship with parents, carers and others
In order to maintain better relations with parents, carers and others it is important that
effective measures are taken which help in understanding better about the needs and wants of
disabled learners so that their special needs can be met on time which can help in improving their
learning. This can be done through using effective or good communication methods which help
in creating a two way communication so that better understanding can be created which is
essential in taking efficient decisions regarding fulfilling their special needs. It is also essential
that various boundaries which affect learning of disabled people are identified so that these
barriers can be reduced like societal stereotypes, prejudices etc. which affect the proper
development of people and also affect their learning. Also it is essential that the challenges faced
while teaching disabled learners are identified so that they can be reduced which can help in
promoting effective learning among them.
f) Skills needed to work collaboratively with disabled learners
In order to effectively work with disabled people it is important that efficient skills are
used so that collaborative working can be promoted which can help disabled learners in better
understanding so that work can be effectively completed. The skills which are required in
improving collaborative learning among disabled learners are empathy, non-judgemental
treatment and attitude towards disabled learners, person-centred approach, listening skills,
professional values etc. All these skills must be applied by the tutors so that effective learning
among them can be promoted and better understanding can be promoted among students. All
these skills thus can help in improving learning environment so that a collaborative learning

environment can be created. These skills can help in removing the barriers so that effective
learning can be created and learning problems of disabled learners can be effectively dealt with.
g) Evaluate the impact of policy and regulatory framework on local initiative
In order to make the local initiative of improving learning among disabled people it is
important that policies and regulatory frameworks are applied effectively so that better learning
can be promoted among people. Different policies like Children and families Act, 2014 and
Education Health care Plan (EHC plan) needs to be implemented so that disabled people can be
made to learn better by providing better learning opportunities to them. These acts help in
integrating the government's commitment towards improving services for vulnerable children so
that they can be supported strongly along with their families (Sarkar and Pramanik, 2018). It also
help in maximising the benefits of these acts for the children and improving equality among all
the people so that better learning can take place and local initiative of improving learning can be
successful.
TASK-C
a) Explain how theory and research inform own practice
With the help of various theories and research I can improve my practice of dealing with
disabled learner so that effective learning can be promoted among them and they can be
supported effectively so that better results can be achieved. In order to improve my practice
continuously it is essential that I regularly reflect on my current skills and abilities so that my
strong and weak areas in dealing with disabled learners can be identified which is important so
tat I can also identify the areas where improvements can be made so that I can become a better
practitioner. This can help me in continuously improving so that I can deal in an effective
manner with disabled learners and promote equality among them by following all the rules,
regulations, policies and frameworks of government so that an effective learning environment
can be created. The theories which have positively influenced my practice are Sigmund Freud-
Iceberg theory and Albert Bandura theory which have helped me out in practically applying my
capabilities in dealing with disabled learners. As per the Iceberg theory the behaviour of a person
is influenced by the constant and unique interaction with conflicting psychological forces which
operate different level of awareness like preconscious, conscious and unconscious. This theory
effectively helped me in dealing with disabled learners as with the help of my different levels of

consciousness I was able to change my behaviour in such a manner that I could effectively deal
with the learners in an effective manner. This theory thus helped me in influencing the behaviour
of others so that an efficient learning environment can be created like with the help of my sub-
conscious I was able to remember the way in which a disabled learner reacts to a certain situation
so that I could change my behaviour in accordance with their behaviour so that a comfortable
environment can be created.
The other theory which helped me in my practice is the Albert Bandura theory which
emphasises the importance of observing and modelling the behaviour, attitudes and emotional
reactions in relation with the continuous interaction with environmental influences. As per this
theory the behaviour of a person is determined by the impact of interaction with various factors
so that continuous learning can take place and skills can be improved. This theory helped me in
continuously improving my skills through continuous interaction with disabled learners so that I
can understand the impact of my behaviour on them so that I can avoid a particular type of
behaviour and promote the kind of behaviour which can help in improving learning among these
learners. Thus these theories helped me in continuously improving my skills so that I can deal
effectively with the disabled learners and create an efficient learning environment.
This research has helped in positively influencing my learning so that I can create a better
learning environment for disabled learners so that my practice can become effective. This researh
has helped me in identifying the ways in which equal treatment affect disabled learners and the
way in which such treatment can be given to them so that their special needs can be fulfilled and
better learning can be created for them.
b) Analyse the impact of own attitude on professional practice
My view regarding inclusive practice is that it must be promoted in all the aspects of life
either working or learning environment so that everyone can be treated equally and they can be
given opportunities to grow and develop which is important in uplifting their careers. Also I am
supportive towards equality and I like to treat everyone equally regardless of their abilities so
that they can develop and grow like others which can help the society in having children, youth
and adults who can deal with their daily lives effectively and also generate their desired career
options. My positive attitude can help me in improving my professional career so that I can treat
all the disabled learners in a better manner and promote equality among all so that I can develop
my career and become a better person. This can help in both my personal and professional

development so that I can become better in teaching learners. My attitude can help me in
accepting the governmental policies and rules effectively so that they can be integrated
practically which can help me in making my skills better. I can thus better accommodate the
special needs of the disabled learners so that better learning environment can be created for them
and I can contribute in creating a better society so that equality among all can be promoted. Also
with the help of my continuous learning attitude I can develop my skills efficiently so that I can
deal with the changing needs of these learners. Also I can effectively apply the theories of
learning so that I can continue to improve my practice in dealing with these learners along with
influencing others so that they can also become non-judgemental.
Conclusion
From the above report it can be concluded that it is important that effective theories and
frameworks are applied so that equality in learning can be promoted which can help learners of
different abilities in getting equal chances of learning. Also it is essential that the rules and
policies of government are integrated with learning organisations so that equal treatment can be
promoted in the organisation and all the learners can be given equal treatment. The acts related
with equality among learners must be promoted so that better learning environment can be
created and social barriers related to disability can be eliminated so that better position of all the
people in society can be created.