This blog post contains how to accommodate students with physical disabilities in the classroom. It was carefully curated so that you can see the best ways to minimize difficulties in learning on the side of challenged students. Follow me closely as I unveil all you need to know.
From time to time, teachers evaluate the students based on what they have been taught so far to ascertain their understanding and mastery of the topic, however, keeping in mind that student’s learning styles are different helps you as a teacher to make informed decisions on the best approach to take.
In a classroom, there are slow learners, fast learners, and even those with one disability or the other. In this article, we will be focusing on those with physical disabilities, and how to accommodate them in the classroom. We will also explore their best learning styles and challenges.
Now, you may ask what disabilities that I am even talking about, good question! They are autism, dyslexia, hearing loss, dyscalculia, language processing disorder, ADHD, and many others. These disabilities can make learning a very difficult one for the students if not handled properly. You are still with me, right?
Types of Classroom Accommodations for Students with Physical Disabilities
When we talk about accommodating students with physical disabilities in the classroom, there are many types as stated by the National Center for Learning Disabilities. Some of the common types are as follows:
Presentation Accommodation
This type of accommodation entails how teachers or instructors present information and lessons to students. Some students learn best with illustrations, infographics, and graphs. Others use audio, word slides, etc. Whichever one, it is very essential to use the appropriate presentation method for each student.
Response Accommodation
Response Accommodation involves how students respond the best when evaluated. Some respond better through speech, some through written words or even video recordings.
Organizational Accommodations
In organizational accommodations, students are provided with settings that improve their productivity and output. It may be using a class organizer to schedule deadlines of outputs, using an alarm clock for time management, etc.
Environmental Accommodation
This type of accommodation involves creating a conducive learning environment for students. It may be blocking off the noise so that students with sensory disabilities can concentrate, it may be providing background tunes and many others.
These different types of accommodations in the classroom will in no small way help students with physical disabilities to learn better, and rule their world.
How To Accommodate Students With Physical Disabilities In The Classroom
Here are ways by which students with physical disabilities can be accommodated in the classroom. The school management, staff, and tutors can adopt them to create an awesome learning experience for the students.
The fact that education contributes greatly to one’s quality of life cannot be overlooked in a hurry, so teachers should adopt the best measures to teach students with disabilities.
- Daily Practices
- Clear Expectations in The Classroom
- Promotion of Peer Interaction and Group Exercises
- Avoidance of Multiple Instructions and Activities at the Same Time
- Breaking of Tasks to Fit into Student’s Strengths and Abilities
- Encouragements and Guidance
- Conducive Learning Environment
- Expression of Thoughts and Opinions
1. Daily Practices
This is the first on our list of how to accommodate students with physical disabilities in the classroom. It is essential that students are aware of what is going to happen on each day of the week. And when there are changes, keeping them updated earlier is the best.
This helps them to prepare their mind and be ready for the day. At times, make use of pairing students with their classmates for support and encouragement when necessary.
2. Clear Expectations in The Classroom
It is good to outline learning expectations. This means communicating clearly what is expected of the students at the end of the lessons. This way, the students know what to do, and work towards it.
3. Promotion of Peer Interaction and Group Exercises
This is one of the best ways to teach social development. Peer interaction and group exercises help the students to bond, learn communication skills, learn teamwork, acquire leadership skills, and many others.
Students who have physical disabilities when interacting with peers overcome low self-esteem and build the confidence needed to thrive in the classroom, and the world at large.
4. Avoidance of Multiple Instructions and Activities at the Same Time
When dealing with students with physical disabilities, it is good to keep instructions very clear and concise. Avoid saying too many things at the same time. Using frequent breaks is often recommended to allow students to catch their breath, and digest the received lessons.
This strategy is very effective when dealing with students with ADHD, autism, and others who have low attention span.
5. Breaking of Tasks to Fit into Student’s Strengths and Abilities
Another way to accommodate students with physical disabilities in the classroom is by breaking of tasks to fit into their strengths and abilities. It is good to consider each student’s learning styles and use that to set how they will carry out their tasks.
Those who are good with text, let them respond with text, those who show prowess in audio or video recordings, let them present their task using it. This way, students will make use of their strength zones.
6. Encouragements and Guidance
You can’t possibly list how to accommodate students with physical disabilities in the classroom without mentioning positive encouragement and guidance. They need to be assured that they are doing well. This will help boost their morale, and push them to do more.
Taking them by the hand too, and walking them through difficult processes is also recommended. What is guidance if not that?
7. Conducive Learning Environment
We touched on this while explaining the types of classroom accommodations, but let us refresh our memory. Without a conducive learning environment, some things may be a waste of time. An environment that is suitable for a student with autism may not be for a student with visual disabilities.
A conducive learning environment must be provided for students with physical disabilities for effective learning.
8. Expression of Thoughts and Opinions
It is a good thing that you allow students to voice out their thoughts and opinions. Allow them to make choices and select their preferences. This way you will know the best approach to follow them.
This is a nice way to accommodate students with physical disabilities in the classroom.
Conclusion
At this juncture, I can say that you have seen how to accommodate students with physical disabilities in the classroom. The tips I listed above when applied will lead to effective teaching and assimilation by students with physical abilities.
It will also help them excel, and contribute their quota to society. I hope you had a nice time going through this article. Let me hear in the comment section.
