1. Community-Based Instruction

Instruction is provided in the context in which living and working skills will ultimately be used and centers around skills essential to success in natural environments.

 

Why?

• Research shows that the acquisition of functional skills increases with instruction in natural environments.
• The use of natural environments reduces the need for generalization, which studies have shown to be a difficult concept for those with cognitive disabilities.
• The natural environments provide appropriate non-disabled role models.
• Natural consequences can be utilized in community environments.
• Community environments enrich instructional opportunities not available in centers or segregated classrooms.