ABSTRACT
This chapter explores some ways that teachers can better understand the learning needs of students with severe disabilities. It examines some of the understandings people have relating to the personalized learning profiles that learners may present. The chapter discusses communicative and intellectual development that offers a foundation for understanding learners with severe disabilities. An assessment tool, The Engagement Profile, is introduced as a way that teaching teams can build additional understandings about a student's engagement in learning. This additional understanding of personal learning profiles contributes to building greater appreciation of student participation with enhanced curricular opportunities. Engagement in learning activities is the key factor in acquiring knowledge and skills and so it makes sense to say that any learning is dependent on engagement. The purpose of the profile is to analyze high engagement student behaviours as demonstrated by a student with severe disabilities.
