The WCPSS Psychological Services Low Incidence Team
I have the honor of serving as the Psychological Services Low Incidence Team Lead! Currently the psychological services Low Incidence Team is comprised of 15 psychologists who serve schools with Low Incidence classrooms. Of the 15 members, 5 highly qualified regional representatives provide consultation services and assessment support.
The Low Incidence team is a voluntary opportunity for WCPSS staff psychologists to provide consultation and training to staff psychologists in an effort to enhance awareness of the special needs of children within the low incidence population, increase knowledge of appropriate assessment tools, techniques and technology, and help cultivate a greater level of comfort associated with working with this group of students. Psychologists on the Low Incidence Team keep abreast of current assessment techniques, spread awareness of community supports available to families, and work together to build capacity among staff psychologists in working with the low incidence population.
The Low Incidence team is a voluntary opportunity for WCPSS staff psychologists to provide consultation and training to staff psychologists in an effort to enhance awareness of the special needs of children within the low incidence population, increase knowledge of appropriate assessment tools, techniques and technology, and help cultivate a greater level of comfort associated with working with this group of students. Psychologists on the Low Incidence Team keep abreast of current assessment techniques, spread awareness of community supports available to families, and work together to build capacity among staff psychologists in working with the low incidence population.
Who are Low Incidence Students?
The term “low incidence” generally refers to a group of students with significantly delayed cognitive functioning in conjunction with one or several other disabling conditions, such as impaired motor skills, communication, language, and adaptive functioning. Students within the low incidence population frequently have significant and complex medical conditions and impaired hearing and/or vision. Generally, students within the low incidence population fall within the ID-Moderate, ID-Severe/Profound, and MU categories. Students with low incidence disabilities:
- May have syndromes or conditions that cause mild to moderate physical differences
- May have medical conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, heart problems, seizures, gastro-intestinal, respiratory, hydrocephalus, orthopedic) that may or may not be associated with various syndromes
- May not be ambulatory and require use of a wheelchair
- May have sensory impairments (limited/no vision, limited/no hearing) and sensory abnormalities (sensitive to touch, light, etc.)
- May have limited or no ability to communicate verbally
- May require assistance with toileting, feeding, and other daily living skills
North Carolina Extended Content Standards
Many low incidence student are on the traditional standard course of student, however the No Child Left Behind Act requires that all students, including those with the most significant cognitive disabilities, have access to the standard course of study at grade level. The North Carolina Extended Content Standards (NCECS) provides entry point extensions so that all students can have meaningful and functional access to grade level standards. This reference document should be used to develop goals, activities and materials for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.