PMLD and the iPad

I was asked earlier this week by a colleague to recommend some ways in which iPads can be used to support students with PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties). I’m embarrassed to say that it’s an abbreviation I hadn’t come across before so I’ve got my ‘learn on’.

“People with a profound and multiple learning disability (PMLD) will have a profound learning or intellectual disability and one or more of the following disabilities:

• physical disability – the majority will be life-long wheelchair users
• sensory impairments
• their communication is usually non-verbal
• they will also have complex healthcare needs including
• respiratory difficulties
• epilepsy
• swallowing difficulties (dysphasia), and many will be fed non-orally
• some will also have challenging behaviour
• some people with PMLD will have an identified syndrome or condition but most will have no specific diagnosis.