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Journal of International Special Needs Education

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Print ISSN: 2159-4341
Online ISSN:
2331-4001
Frequency: Bi-annually

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Article Citation:
Michael Arthur-Kelly, Deone Bennett, Judith Neilands, and Phil Foreman (2014) Case Reflections on Communication Support for Students with Multiple and Severe Disability in Australian General Classrooms. Journal of International Special Needs Education: November 2014, Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 70-78.
https://doi.org/10.9782/2159-4341-17.2.70

Feature Articles

Case Reflections on Communication Support for Students with Multiple and Severe Disability in Australian General Classrooms

Michael Arthur-Kelly

The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia

Deone Bennett

The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia

Judith Neilands

The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia

Phil Foreman

The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia

Authors' Note: The authors also gratefully acknowledge the support of Australian Research Council Discovery Grant 0772492 in enabling this project to occur.

Michael Arthur-Kelly, Assistant Dean (Teaching and Learning), SE25 Special Education Centre, School of Education, Faculty of Education and Arts, The University of Newcastle, E-mail: , Editor, Australasian Journal of Special Education, Editor, Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Ph + 61 2 49 216 284, Fax + 61 2 49 216 939
Abstract

This paper provides a descriptive narrative on some recent research processes and outcomes in general classrooms in Australia that include students with multiple and severe disability. A mentor-model approach to professional development for the teaching staff was employed and this paper outlines what happened, along with some of the specific needs and goals of the participating students and teaching personnel. Although the results were quite variable, a number of interesting findings relating to teacher effects and the limited role of peers in enhancing interactions with students with such complex needs are identified and discussed.

Keywords: Multiple and Severe Disability, Inclusion, Communication, Mentor-Model