As an instructor, you will certainly encounter students with disabilities in your classroom. However, the type of disability and the impacts that it has on learning, could vary considerably. The purpose of this lesson is to introduce some common definitions of disability and provide an overview of different types of disability. It will provide an insight into the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities and some of the challenges that they face in the college learning environment.

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to:

  • Define what is meant by disability and understand that there are different perspectives on disability
  • Be familiar with the range of disabilities instructors may encounter in their classrooms
  • Recognize that disabilities can be both visible and invisible
  • Outline how disabilities can impact students and their learning
  • Recognize that students with disabilities face some unique issues, but also face the same issues as many other students
  • Recognize that we can change the environment to improve learning for all students
  • Identify issues that impact whether and to what extent students choose to access accommodations

Click on the first topic to get started!