Did you know that there are millions of people in the United States who have some type of disability? This includes physical, intellectual, or learning disorders. These limitations can interfere with someone’s ability to learn new things and get an education overall. Academics are an important part of development, and we want to ensure the disabled community gets the education they want and need. Here are some ways school systems are inclusive and can include everyone of all backgrounds to provide the best experience to all.
Being patient and adapting to different learning speeds
It is important to understand that everyone learns at different paces and has different strengths depending on the school subject. This is especially true for a student with disabilities or learning disorders. They may do well with reading but have a difficult time in mathematics. Or they may be limited in participation in physical education. Being patient helps reduce the pressure and encourages students that they can put in more time in a subject and be successful.
Listening to feedback from students and parents
While teaching can be a very rewarding occupation, it is ultimately about the student getting the most out of the academic plans and how they can apply that to their future. It can be challenging to go outside the normal teaching style to adapt to different learning needs. Parents of students may also express feedback on the teaching style or assignments that should be taken into consideration.
Celebrating accomplishments in academics
While it is still important to point out when and why an answer to an assignment is incorrect, or why someone may have received a lower grade, celebrating accomplishments it just as relevant. This helps boost confidence and can encourage the student to continue to do well, even when they may not yet fully comprehend a lesson or assignment. They are more likely to seek academic assistance should they need it.
Offer extra help and suggest programs for additional assistance
Extra-curricular activities and programs are often put into place in public schools and some colleges to help disabled students reach higher potential. This may be a program that develops learning skills such as reading or writing, helps with socializing, or involves students in various ways in sports. Speaking to the individual who runs the programs, or a guidance counselor is a great way to find out more information.
Encourage group projects or work together to build peer friendships
Many teachers may assume that a disabled student will shy away from group work, yet that is not always the case. Although they may be intimated in some ways, students with disabilities often thrive with socializing and working together should the opportunity arise. Promoting group projects in a classroom setting can not only help students with disabilities with social skills, but also provide the chance to meet new friends.
If you or someone you know struggles with a disability and are interested in learning more about socializing with similar individuals or how to be inclusive, check out https://hello-itsme.com/ today.
References
Centers for Disease Control Prevention (2023, May 15). Disability Impacts All of Us. CDC. Retrieved November 1, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html
Malone, K. (2022, November 23). Strategies for Teaching Students with Disabilities. Graduate Programs for Educators. Retrieved November 1, 2023, from https://www.graduateprogram.org/2022/11/strategies-for-teaching-students-with-disabilities/