Literacy in Persons with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities

The book covers literacy assessment and intervention in early childhood, the school years, and adulthood. It synthesizes tools to help promote literacy skills in the intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) population such as augmentative and alternative communication, leveled books and social stories. This clinical guide educates speech‑language pathologists (SLPs) on best practices in teaching and enhancing literacy skills in individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). Drawing on her extensive experience as an SLP and inspired by Chuck (the author’s younger brother – an adult with Down syndrome), Meredith Saletta Fitzgibbons has created a resource specifically to help practitioners prioritize literacy in a community that is often overlooked. This book covers literacy assessment and intervention in early childhood, the school years, and adulthood. It synthesizes tools to help promote literacy skills in the IDD population, such as augmentative and alternative communication, leveled books, and social stories. It also explores practical considerations for providers other than SLPs, such as first responders, medical doctors, educators, and direct support professionals. Weaving personal narratives with practical applications, each chapter will be introduced by a “Chuck vignette”: a brief story about the journey of the author’s brother toward becoming a literate adult. With a busy practitioner in mind, Saletta Fitzgibbons highlights key takeaways and literacy goals throughout. The result is an essential resource for SLPs as well as professionals working in related fields and family members of individuals with IDD.