Everyone Is Capable of Becoming a Lifelong Learner Essay -- Educationa

Every person has the ability to become a lifelong learner. The most important factor to becoming a lifelong learner comes from the direct influence of mentors and guardians that care for children throughout their developmental years. Together, they figure out the best plan of action to teach each individual student how to be better learners in hopes that the influence of lifelong learning habits will be incorporated into their worldviews when they become adults. There are some people in society who believe that the developmentally disabled person is unable to become a lifelong learner due to their disabilities. Over the last century, research on early intervention educational programs proves these unjustified beliefs wrong. These programs and services provided to the young exceptional learning community are making it possible for students to achieve their academic goals at the same level as their general education peers. This particular type of disability is caused by birth defects. Birth defects cause serious problems within a person’s physical make up and usually affect multiple body part systems. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2011) talks about specific developmental delays like nervous system disabilities (Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders), sensory related disabilities (Congenital Rubella, Williams Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome), metabolic disorders (Phenylketonur ia, Hypothyroidism), and degenerative disorders (Rett Syndrome). Many of these developmentally delayed disorders are incurable but there are supportive programs in existence to help treat the negative effects caused by these disorders. Since the root of the disability is unable to be fixed, docto... ...-intervention.html Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). Developmental Disabilities. Retrieved on May 8, 2012 from: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/resources.htm Office for Civil Rights. (2011). Transition of Students With Disabilities To Postsecondary Education: A Guide for High School Educators. U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved on May 8, 2012 from: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transitionguide.html Ripley, S. (2008). Intervention: The Earlier, The Better. Excelligence Learning Corporation. Retrieved on May 8, 2012 from: http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=122 The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2011). Developmental Disabilities. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved on May 8, 2012 from: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/developmental_disabilities.cfm