Topic: Teaching Techniques

Research data from 2006 finds that 72 percent of the developmentally disabled population lives in private homes, apartments or mobile homes. People with developmental disabilities may not be able to take life saving action in a timely manner in the event of a fire. Seeds Educational Services, Inc. (Seeds) has created a fire safety curriculum designed to meet the learning needs of people with cognitive disabilities. 

This program was made possible through a grant from the U.S. Fire Administration and in partnership with Fire Protection Publications and Oklahoma State University, the leader in fire safety educational materials. Pre and post-assessments found that participants could only answer 4.6 of fire safety questions correctly before training, but after class participation, the average was 8.1.  More significantly, 22 percent of the program participants knew what to do in a room full of smoke before training; post training, 91percent of the program participants could accurately demonstrate what to do.

All of the program materials including a DVD for purchase are currently accessible and can be downloaded from Seeds Educational Services, Inc.

The Safe People Folder helps staff teach the difficult concepts of “strangers” and “safe” people through a game-like visual tool.

Sample pictures of community workers are included along with step-by-step instructions for this easy to make teaching resource. 

This multi-sensory teaching tool addresses the issues of privacy and hygiene in Relation to using the bathroom. It provides staff with excellent photos, relevant questions, and discussion topics. Topics include:

• What does privacy mean?
• What to do when the bathroom is busy?
• How do I lock the bathroom door?
• What is the right way to wash my hands?

Imagine how your life would be if you were unable to relax. We have all learned various techniques that help us when we are stressed. Yet sometimes people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have not learned how to relax when dealing with sadness, anxiety, anger and other emotions that cause stress. This training program teaches relaxation techniques.

First identified are ways to relax such as listening to music, taking a warm bath, and participating in a hobby. Then reviewed are types of situations that cause us to be stressed. For example, if an event you have been looking forward to has been changed or cancelled. Or, remembering things or people from the past that made you sad.  Taught are techniques to relax the entire body through tightening and relaxing exercises. Also taught are deep breathing techniques.

The Community Training Game is a fun and interesting way to teach the skills necessary for successful use of the community.

Through play, learners can become familiar with program volunteer sites, rights and responsibilities and community awareness skills.

The only problem with this game is getting people to stop playing!

The Pocket Shopper is a picture and sign language system that will help people with limited verbal skills or hearing impairments to become more independent shoppers.  Download the files below and follow the step-by-step instructions to put together this functional and fun to use teaching tool.
Simple but effective!

Are you looking for ways to help people with DD/ID get “outside of themselves,” become part of a creative group effort that will boost self esteem, social skills and self awareness? 
“Acting 101” is a comprehensive, easy-to-follow curriculum that will help your group meet all these goals and so much more!

In the Warm-up section, activities stimulate physical, mental and creative energy.
In the Activities section, the group will stretch their imagination by creating “alternative” instruments, learn group coordination through building a “body machine,” and develop acting subtleties through exercises like “walking on marshmallows.”
In the Character Development section, the group will learn how to experience the world from another’s point of view.  They will discover how to build a character through voice, movement and mind.
Sample sessions demonstrate how to pace these activities for a group with more moderate disabilities.

Download this curriculum now and begin learning, laughing, discovering, and acting!

The Pedestrian Light Signal is a creative tool for practicing safe street crossing without leaving the building!  Detailed instructions will help you to build a light with picture signals matching your local pedestrian street light.

Use this tool along with community practice to help consumers incorporate the skill of safe street crossing.

Use this creative “bus” to teach people the correct way to insert a Metrocard on a public bus. 

This tool also incorporates counting out quarters for a bus trip if not using a Metrocard.  This is a great idea!

This photo recipe gives step-by-step pictorial and written directions for making a hearty taco salad. 

The recipe combines the flavor of traditional tacos with heart healthy ingredients. 

Fun and easy-to-make, delicious to eat!

People with developmental disabilities can enjoy the accomplishment of cooking a meal. For many people with ID/DD, following a typical recipe is not an option. 

How do we help them learn how to make recipes as independently as possible?

Step-by-step photo recipes are the answer! Download and start cooking!

Individuals of all capabilities can participate in meaningful food preparation.  Using pictorial recipes, group participants learn about ingredients and tools used in preparing simple recipes and engage in tasks such as mixing, measuring, spreading and slicing. 

Recipes selected maximize opportunities for exploring the variety of sensory experiences associated with food preparation (appearance, smell, texture, taste, and temperature) as well as allow individuals to make choices according to personal preference. 

In addition to food preparation skills, participants practice table manners and have opportunity to engage in social interaction.

This lesson plan sees RED!  Through the color red and the theme of heart health, learners will explore their own health through all aspects of the program week.

Activities include creating red flower arrangements, red crafts, special cooking, movement, educational and community activities.

So get in gear and get red!

People with developmental disabilities can enjoy the accomplishment of cooking a meal. For many people with ID/DD, following a typical recipe is not an option. 

How do we help them learn how to make recipes as independently as possible? Step-by-step photo recipes are the answer!

This photo recipe gives step-by-step pictorial and written directions for making this quick and delicious snack. Substitute low fat cheese to make it heart healthy. Fun and easy-to-make, delicious to eat!

Individuals of all capabilities can participate in meaningful food preparation.  Using pictorial recipes, group participants learn about ingredients and tools used in preparing simple recipes and engage in tasks such as mixing, measuring, spreading and slicing. 

Recipes selected maximize opportunities for exploring the variety of sensory experiences associated with food preparation (appearance, smell, texture, taste, and temperature) as well as allow individuals to make choices according to personal preference. 

In addition to food preparation skills, participants practice table manners and have opportunity to engage in social interaction

This written recipe for a very festive fudge is fun to make and ambrosia for the senses.

Add another layer to the experience with the optional peanut butter glaze.

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) might have difficulty in forming intimate relationships. Needless to say, forming intimate relationships can be very challenging for many people, whether disabled or not. We have supported people with IDD in living productive lives in the community, especially in regard to housing and jobs. Yet often supporting intimate relationships is overlooked.

This innovative five part series teaches the required essential skills. The five sections are:

1. Assertiveness
2. Boundaries
3. Communication
4. Initiating a Date
5. Rejection/Breakup

Each unit is designed to be highly interactive, including role playing and numerous exercises.

People with disabilities often deal with the loss of a special person in their lives. Loss can occur when a person moves away, goes into the hospital, or dies. As with all of us, emotional scars can occur when we do not deal with loss properly. Unfortunately, all too often, people with disabilities are not given the time or means to grieve.

This simple yet effective user guide helps to create an I Remember… scrapbook template to help the individual cope with these losses. The guide lists materials needed to create the scrapbook and specific pages to be included. These scrapbooks can also be created by a group of people who are sharing the loss of a special person.

Have fun while learning essential skills!  This game is a wonderful teaching tool for learning money awareness and shopping skills. Learn how to identify coins/bills, investigate the relationship between money and making purchases, and make change in different combinations.

Tailor the question cards to meet the specific needs of your group.  When we use this game, we have to set a timer to end play because no one wants to stop!

Individuals of all capabilities can participate in meaningful food preparation. 

Using pictorial recipes, group participants learn about ingredients and tools used in preparing simple recipes and engage in tasks such as mixing, measuring, spreading and slicing.  Recipes selected maximize opportunities for exploring the variety of sensory experiences associated with food preparation (appearance, smell, texture, taste, and temperature) as well as allow individuals to make choices according to personal preference. 

In addition to food preparation skills, participants practice table manners and have opportunity to engage in social interaction.

We spoke with David Hingsburger about various social/sexual issues including re-conceptualizing sexual abuse, parents and sexuality, and his “one bit of advice” for social/sexual educators.

Go ahead, take the challenge!  The Travel Safety Challenge is an exciting way to teach the skills necessary to navigate the community safely.
This teaching tool can be easily modified to meet the specific needs of your program.

People with developmental disabilities can enjoy the accomplishment of cooking a meal. For many people with ID/DD, following a typical recipe is not an option. 

How do we help them learn how to make recipes as independently as possible? Step-by-step photo recipes are the answer!

This photo recipe gives step-by-step pictorial and written directions for making this quick and easy meal using a packaged macaroni and cheese mix. This recipe is fun and easy-to-make, delicious to eat!

Individuals of all capabilities can participate in meaningful food preparation.  Using pictorial recipes, group participants learn about ingredients and tools used in preparing simple recipes and engage in tasks such as mixing, measuring, spreading and slicing. 

Recipes selected maximize opportunities for exploring the variety of sensory experiences associated with food preparation (appearance, smell, texture, taste, and temperature) as well as allow individuals to make choices according to personal preference. 

In addition to food preparation skills, participants practice table manners and have opportunity to engage in social interaction.

People with developmental disabilities can enjoy the accomplishment of cooking a meal. For many people with ID/DD, following a typical recipe is not an option. 

How do we help them learn how to make recipes as independently as possible? Step-by-step photo recipes are the answer!

This photo recipe gives step-by-step pictorial and written directions for making a delicious spinach quiche. This dish is hearty, colorful, fun to make and to eat!

This lesson plan is in the PINK, where breast cancer awareness is explored using the symbol of the pink ribbon. 

Participants learn about breast health and community connection through activities such as Baking for the Cure, Ribbons for the Community and participation in the community’s Breast Cancer Walk.

Get in gear, and get pink!

Participating in community volunteer work provides individuals with intellectual disabilities with a better understanding of the community, enhanced personal and social integration skills, and increased self-esteem.
For people with medical, behavioral or simply staffing issues, an in-house system for community caring can be therapeutic.

Katie Martin describes the key elements for organizing an in-house volunteer crafting center, including how to obtain funding for supplies, organizing the team, finding places to donate to and delivering the goods! 

Are you looking for activity ideas that are user-friendly for staff and also creative, appropriate, and functional for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Here is a fun and delicious holiday activity that can be adapted to almost any group.
YAI’s “How To” series of activity “recipes” promote social interaction and cognitive development. In “Chocolate Making,” step-by-step instructions explain how to create holiday decorated chocolate lollipops, great for gift baskets and fund-raising.
With so many types of chocolate and lollipop molds to choose from, there is something for every holiday!

This picture system is a simple but effective way to help someone with memory loss remember and practice expected behaviors. It’s also a great tool for anyone who needs reminders in order to achieve successful outcomes.

Download the instructions and samples and get started! 

This Jeopardy style game will make learning and practicing communication and social skills a good time for all!  Appropriate for individuals with profound and severe intellectual disabilities, “Answer Me This” also teaches reality orientation, everyday living and health related skills.

Game play involves answering simple questions or performing simple tasks. Many question cards have hints on how to adapt the questions for different cognitive abilities. Pictures are supplied and can be used as multi-sensory tools to aid in comprehension and engagement.

Our appearance impacts all of our social and professional interactions.  Many people with ID are unaware of the impression their hygiene practice makes on others.  They may be unaware of all the components of hygiene that help them look approachable and pleasing to others.

The “Hygiene” teaching unit contains lesson plans, guides, and games ideas for teaching these important skills and for maintaining them while on the job.

This unit is part of the “Ready, Set, Work” curriculum, which contains 31 teaching units.

These pork chops are rich in flavor but low in fat. 

This step-by-step, easy-to-make recipe is fun to cook, delicious to eat!

David Hingsburger speaks about how to support people with challenging behaviors, and how to build skills using reinforcement.

First impressions can make or break a job interview or an introduction to a new friend. How much perfume is too much? How do I know if my hairstyle is unprofessional? This unit on Grooming for Success will teach people with   intellectual and developmental disabilities how to prepare their hair, beard, nails and makeup for a great first impression and continued professional look.  They will also learn how to self-evaluate and adjust their appearance through a head-to-toe check.  This unit is part of the “Ready…Set…Work!” curriculum, which contains 31 teaching units.

Are you looking for fun and empowering ideas for teaching social skills?

This beginner’s facilitator’s guide will bring easy acting exercises and games to your program that promote laughter, listening, creative thinking and cooperation.  Many of the exercises use nonverbal communication, movement and multi-sensory experiences to teach and to learn. 

We’ve enjoyed using this curriculum in our employment programs which teach work and social skills to people with mild intellectual disabilities.

The Caring Curriculum is divided into five areas called activity themes. They are as follows:

• Caring for Self
• Caring for Others
• Caring for Animals
• Caring for Plants
• Caring for the Environment

Activity themes are reflected on the daily schedule as well as being implemented through incidental teaching and skill generalization opportunities.

Individual treatment plan needs are addressed through the Caring Curriculum activity themes. Activity themes can be expanded based on an individual’s interests and capabilities.

You are going to say,“Why didn’t I think of that?” when you see this teaching tool for recycling cans. 

It is both easy to create and use.  Included is a checklist of tips for teaching recycling symbols, counting and packaging cans and more. 

Download the instructions below and you’ll be recycling before you know it!

Are you looking for activity ideas that are user-friendly for staff and also creative, appropriate, and functional for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities? This “recipe”  promotes social interaction and cognitive development.

Through step-by-step instructions, it is explained how to create a holiday decorated “fudge wreath” (an adaptation of Rachael Ray’s recipe), with lots of “hands-on” photographs.

This recipe is a great teaching tool to add to your holiday activities with your group!

This USA Teaching Map is a fun way to teach about the geography of the United States! This easy to create tool can teach capital cities, cardinal directions, and trip planning.  Adapt this teaching tool to focus in on the streets in your local community or teach about any place in the world.  Users can even learn to chart weather events such as hurricanes and tropical storms for a current events discussion using “Where in the World is…” teaching maps!

Are you looking for activity ideas that are user-friendly for staff and also creative, appropriate, and functional for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities? YAI’s “How To” series of activity “recipes” promote social interaction and cognitive development. In “How to Make Juices” step-by-step instructions explain the popular art of juicing to make fresh fruit and vegetable juices using a blender. A YAI/NIPD video demonstrating these instructions and showing consumers cooks in action is also available.

This beverage choice board is a tool you will want to use daily to help the adults you work with make independent drink choices.  Easy-to-follow instructions explain how to make “hot” and “cold” drink boards as well as how to introduce these menus to your group.

The skills learned through this tool will enable participants to make choices in the community and feel the satisfaction of choosing for themselves.

This easy to make tool is useful for all beading activities.  It allows the people you work with to independently check their work. 

Use this as a jumping off point for creating other self check tools!

Social skills can make or break a successful work experience. For people with developmental disabilities, the challenge of being socially appropriate at work requires practice through different models and materials.  The Social Skills at Work Game is an engaging teaching tool that makes social skills practice fun and promotes learning through laughter and debate. 

This game was developed for the PREP (Planned Readiness and Employability Program) groups at the YAI Day Habilitation Programs. It can be adapted for regular Day Hab use and for employment training programs.

Community + is a fun and educational game that addresses community resources, communication, weather, health, hygiene, and more! 

Download the instructions and materials list and you’ll be on your way to creating this exciting game for your program!

This template for thematic teaching will assist you in developing clear and creative curriculum materials. 

Moving from brainstorming to fully formed activity plans, this template gives staff the tools for successful and meaningful programming!

A chime that brings a smile to one person can be an overwhelming noise to a person with hypersensitivity to the environment.  In the typical person, the senses gather information from the world which the brain seamlessly integrates.  When this neurological integration goes awry, ordinary sights, sounds, touches, smells and movements can be perceived as painful and disorienting, a condition known as Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).  SPD disrupts everyday functions and makes navigating through the world a frightening enterprise. 

The good news is that children and adults with SPD can be helped through Sensory Integration therapy. This YAI Newsletter will give you effective strategies for use in the therapy room that can also be applied to the program team.

Individuals of all capabilities can participate in meaningful food preparation.  Using pictorial recipes, group participants learn about ingredients and tools used in preparing simple recipes and engage in tasks such as mixing, measuring, spreading and slicing. 

Recipes selected maximize opportunities for exploring the variety of sensory experiences associated with food preparation (appearance, smell, texture, taste, and temperature) as well as allow individuals to make choices according to personal preference. 

In addition to food preparation skills, participants practice table manners and have opportunity to engage in social interaction.