Literacy in Persons with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities

This clinical guide educates speech-language pathologists on best practices in teaching and enhancing literacy skills in individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Drawing on her extensive experience as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and inspired by the author’s younger brother, Chuck – 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.

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. 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 author’s brother’s journey towards becoming a literate adult.

With a busy practitioner in mind, Fitzgibbons highlights key takeaways and literacy goals throughout. The result is an essential resource for speech-language pathologists, as well as professionals working in related fields and family members of individuals with IDD.