Topic Progress:

students studying with laptops, books and TV screen in the backThe question then becomes, if these students need things done somewhat differently from the norm, how can we get this done since our schools are set up for the average student?

Two approaches can be used, and both approaches help to enhance the accessibility and inclusiveness of our programs and campuses.

Click on the accordions below to expand and learn more about the two approaches.

1.Reasonable Accommodation

The first involves putting into place academic accommodations and supports that help to remove barriers and level the playing field for students with disabilities. These changes to regular practice are made based on documentation of a students disability and so are individual arrangements for a particular student. Examples include additional time to write exams, permission to record lectures, or assistance in accessing specialized technology.

Reasonable accommodations meet the following criteria:

  1. Based on documented individual needs
  2. Allows for most integrated experience possible
  3. Do not compromise essential requirements of a course or program
  4. Do not pose a threat to personal or public safety
  5. Do not impose an undue hardship or administrative burden
  6. Are not of a personal nature
2.Universal Design for Learning
A second approach involves changing the ways things are done for all students to better meet the needs of diverse learners, and is referred to as Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL works from the recognition that the ways in which students acquire knowledge best and express what they know effectively, can be very different from student to student. As a result learning and assessment can be more effective when this diversity is recognized. Options include presenting material through a range of mediums, providing various options for expressing and assessing student knowledge and understanding, to various approaches to promote student engagement and motivation.

In Lesson 3 – Instructor Toolkit we will provide a deeper understanding of these concepts and how to apply them in the classroom.

Quick Tips for Interacting with Students with Disabilities

As a final note, we wanted to leave you with a few quick tips when interacting with students with a disability:

  1. Recognize that students with disabilities, even with the same disability, are not alike. Treat each student as an individual.
  2. Related to this, if you think that something may be helpful for a particular student with a disability, ask them directly, but respect their choice if this is not the case.
  3. Try to see the student’s perspective on the situation at hand, remembering that their experience of the world is different than yours (i.e. empathy – what must the situation be like in their shoes?)
  4. Recognize that you don’t need to have all the answers, that the student will likely have some, and that other campus resources such as the Disability Services Office may be able to help with ideas also. This is a collaborative effort.

Concluding Reflection Questions:

  • Has this workshop made you think deeper about the way you currently teach in your classrooms?
  • Will this experience influence the way you teach in the future?
  • What more would you like to learn in the area of supporting students with disabilities?

Additional Resources:

Download/print this handout on Creating Accessible and Inclusive Campus Environments (PDF).