Lesson Plan / Teaching Resource

 

Title:
SPECIAL NEEDS, LEARNING DIFFICULTIES, DISABILITIES, MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS HAND AND TEXTBOOK

Subject Area:
Learning Disabilities, Special Needs, and Mental Health Awareness

Author:
Sara Jane Gorman

Grade / Audience Level:

• All Grades and All Levels

• Suitable for:

  • School students

  • College and University students

  • Professionals and educators

  • People with learning difficulties, disabilities, and mental health conditions

  • Parents, families, and carers

Purpose of the Resource:

• To raise awareness and understanding of learning disabilities, special needs, and mental health.

• To provide accessible guidance for students, professionals, and families.

• To promote inclusion, reduce stigma, and support wellbeing in education and daily life.

Lesson Plan

Title:
Special Needs, Learning Difficulties, Disabilities, and Mental Health Awareness

Subject Area:
Learning Disabilities, Special Needs, and Mental Health

Author:
Sara Jane Gorman

Grade / Audience Level:
All Grades / All Levels

• Schools

• Colleges & Universities

• Professionals & Educators

• Parents, Families & Carers

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, participants will be able to:

1. Understand key terms: special needs, learning difficulties, disabilities, and mental health.

2. Recognize common conditions (e.g., dyslexia, autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression).

3. Explore the challenges faced by individuals with these conditions in education and daily life.

4. Learn strategies to support inclusion, accessibility, and wellbeing.

5. Reflect on personal attitudes and reduce stigma surrounding disabilities and mental health.

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Materials Needed

• The textbook / handout (Sara Jane Gorman’s Awareness Handbook)

• Easy Read versions and PowerPoints (for accessibility)

• Whiteboard / flip chart / markers

• Case studies or real-life stories (optional)

• Activity sheets, quiz, or discussion prompts

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Lesson Outline

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Welcome and overview of the session.

• Icebreaker: “What do you think of when you hear the words special needs or mental health?”

2. Key Concepts (15 minutes)

• Definitions of learning difficulties, disabilities, and mental health.

• Examples of conditions (dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, dyscalculia, depression, anxiety).

• Brief myth-busting activity (common misconceptions vs. facts).

3. Real-Life Impact (15 minutes)

• Share case studies or personal experiences.

• Discuss barriers people face (school, work, daily life, social).

• Reflection: “How would you feel in this situation?”

4. Strategies for Support (20 minutes)

• Classroom accommodations (extra time, visual aids, simplified instructions).

• Workplace adjustments (assistive technology, flexible schedules).

• Family and community support.

• Mental health coping strategies (self-care, counselling, peer support).

5. Interactive Activity (15 minutes)

• Group discussion, role-play, or quiz.

• Example: “Design an inclusive classroom/workplace.”

• Or: “Match condition → support strategy.”

6. Conclusion & Reflection (10 minutes)

• Summarize key points.

• Encourage empathy, inclusion, and awareness.

• Exit Question: “One thing I learned today is…”

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Assessment / Evaluation

• Participation in activities and discussions.

• Completion of quiz or worksheet.

• Reflection responses.

• Teacher/Facilitator notes on understanding and engagement.

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Follow-Up / Extension

• Homework / Project: Research one condition and present how to support someone with it.

• Encourage use of the textbook and Easy Read resources for further learning.

• Suggest local or online support organizations for additional guidance.