High Incidence Disabilities
Characteristics
Instructional Barriers
Inclusive Strategies
Lesson Modifications
100

This category of disabilities includes SLD, ADHD, Speech/Language Impairments.

High Incidence Disabilities

100

Students with ADHD often struggle with these two executive functions.

attention and impulse control

100

 Instruction at this pace can overwhelm students with processing delays.

fast-paced instruction

100

A structured method with modeling, guided practice, and independent work.

explicit instruction

100

Reducing this can help students avoid cognitive overload.

task length or complexity

200

True or False: Nearly 80% of students with disabilities fall into the High Incidence Disabilities classification.

True

200

Reading and math struggles often stem from these learning disabilities.

Dyslexia or dyscalculia

200

This happens when instruction is the same for everyone, with no flexibility.

limited differentiation

200

These tools visually support comprehension and connection-making.

graphic organizers

200

This type of output may replace writing for students with dysgraphia.

an alternative to written response

300

This disorder impacts psychological processes in understanding spoken or written language.

Specific Learning Disability (SLD)

300

Students with EBD often struggle to build these types of relationships.

 interpersonal relationships

300

When instruction prioritizes behavior over engagement, this barrier occurs.

compliance over engagement

300

These break down tasks and help clarify expectations.

checklists and rubrics

300

These provide structure and help with self-regulation.

visual schedules or cues

400

 IDEA defines this as a long-term condition affecting emotional regulation and peer relationships.

Emotional or Behavioral Disorder (EBD)

400

These methods help identify patterns before formal disability identification.

early screening or progress monitoring

400

These resources can be hard to understand due to complexity or format.

inaccessible materials

400

Students work with peers to strengthen academic and social skills.

peer-assisted learning

400

These strategies support autonomy and help with focus.

movement breaks or student choice

500

Characterized by below-average intellectual function and adaptive behavior.

Mild Intellectual Disability

500

This happens when students compensate for their disabilities and appear “fine.”

masking behavior

500

These harmful beliefs lead to decreased expectations and missed opportunities.

social stigma or ableism

500

These assessments guide instruction based on current understanding.

formative assessments

500

These resources allow students to access material in different formats.


leveled texts or multimedia

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