Each person is unique, and each disability affects each person differently. The information in this section is a very simple overview of some common disabilities. It is aimed to provide a starting point for more research. Use the assessment tools to learn as much as you can about the individual. The person with the disability and/or their caregiver will understand their abilities better than anyone else.

The definition and range of cognitive disability are broad. Persons with cognitive disabilities may have difficulty with various types of mental tasks either from disorders, birth, disease, or injury. Cognition encompasses a range of high-level brain functions, including the ability to learn and remember information; organise, plan, and problem-solve; focus, maintain, and shift attention as necessary; understand and use language; accurately perceive the environment (physical or social); and perform calculations.

Many cognitive disabilities have a base in physiological or biological processes within the individual, such as a genetic disorder or a traumatic brain injury. Other cognitive disabilities may be based on the chemistry or structure of the person’s brain. Persons with more profound cognitive disabilities need assistance with aspects of daily living. Persons with minor learning disabilities might be able to function adequately with their disability, maybe to the point where their disability is never diagnosed or noticed. Knowing the different ways and the extent to which a person is affected by a disability assists an instructor to develop behavioural and learning strategies that enhance the abilities of the students while minimising the effects of their disability.

Use the Cognitive Assessment tool to understand your student’s abilities and needs better. This tool can be found in the assessment section of the manual.