![]() The Least Dangerous Assumption was once beautifully described to me in this way: "Let's say you get invited to a dinner party, and the host asks you to bring a salad. It turns out, he LOVES to read! What a tragedy it would have been to assume he would never read. The Least Dangerous Assumption, however, was to expose him to a literacy rich environment. Because of his limited language, it could be assumed that he would never learn to read. For example, my son uses very little verbal language. The Least Dangerous Assumption approach suggests that when making assumptions about learners with special needs it is imperative that the decisions, if incorrect, would have the least dangerous effect on the individual. Presuming potential is tied to this theory. In 1984 special education researcher Ann Donnellan coined an inclusive educational concept known as the Least Dangerous Assumption. I have, therefore, strived to expose him to as many experiences and opportunities as possible. Time and time again Marston teaches me that there should be no limitations placed upon what he might be capable of understanding and enjoying. As Marston’s mother, I always "presume potential.” To presume potential is to believe that a learner can understand a concept even when there is currently not tangible evidence that this is the case. I am also a certified teacher with a master's degree in Literacy Education. My name is Jennifer Poore and I am the mom of a teenage son with profound autism named Marston. ![]()
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