Leadership in IDD

Perspectives Commentary from the field

Pursuing Equitable Access to Reading Instruction: Considering the Down Syndrome Behavioral Phenotype   Kaitlynn Fraze, PhD Baylor University   Students with intellectual disability (ID) perform lower in reading than their typically developing peers. Over the last few decades education policy has shifted toward inclusion and even with research showing that students with ID can learn reading skills, further research is needed to  investigate what works for which students. Recent research findings suggest that the behavioral phenotype characteristic of Down syndrome can impact the development of reading skills.   The Down syndrome behavioral phenotype can impact reading development in several ways. Relative strengths in visual processing can aid in word recognition, but challenges with phonological processing make decoding and sounding out words difficult. Students with Down syndrome may take a more passive role during reading activities, using more nonword vocalizations and gestures and making fewer verbalizations. Addressing these similar characteristics when researching and developing new interventions could lead to more effective reading instruction strategies for students with Down syndrome.

Notables  Recent awards, accolades, appointments, and other honors.

The following awards were made by TASH  Allen Bergman Awarded the 2024 TASH Lifetime Achievement Award  This award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to advancing equity, opportunity, and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Deborah Taub, PhD, Awarded the 2024 TASH June Downing Breakthroughs in Inclusive Education Award This award honors the important and courageous contributions of an individual, school, and/or school district in advancing inclusive education and equitable opportunities for students from pre-school through grade 12, particularly those with the most significant disabilities and support needs.

John Butterworth, PhD, Awarded the 2024 TASH Marc Gold Employment Award  This award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to increasing access to community, integrated employment for persons with significant disabilities.   John was also Awarded the 2024 AUCD George S. Jesien Distinguished Achievement Award  This award recognizes a UCEDD, LEND, or IDDRC executive, faculty or staff member who has demonstrated a distinguished career of excellence and leadership in support of AUCD's mission to advance policy and practice for and with people with disabilities, their families, and communities.

Notables  Recent awards, accolades, appointments, and other honors Perspectives Commentary from the field

AAIDD is looking to feature notables and perspective pieces from our members in the field! Send us your commentary to be featured in a future Leadership in IDD Newsletter.

Produced by AAIDD, this monthly digest features the recent (first made available within last 3 months) and emergent (will be available within the next 4-6 weeks) work of AAIDD members only. Journal articles, while important, are not featured in this publication.  View the archive of the Leadership in IDD newsletter here. Click here to submit your work to be featured.

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