In 2023, public schools in the United States admitted 7.3 million students with a disability. Children who use a mobility solution often face accessibility challenges when going to school, like entering classrooms, lunchrooms, and hallways. This article will discuss accessibility tips to help your child navigate school.
While there is still work to be done for improvements in school systems, many have prioritized having educators work directly with students to make sure they understand the material. Examples include helping children with social interactions and educating them on common independent learning strategies.
Social interactions with a disability
For children, learning and developing good communication skills is imperative for several reasons. Communication skills help build relationships and the ability to express your feelings clearly. However, it takes work, and your child's skills will grow with consistent practice! Below are helpful tips your child can benefit from with your help!
Look for classes, activities, and events for your child that fit their interests.
Practice using basic greetings with your child so that when they meet others, it will be comfortable.
Get in touch with other parents to schedule group activities with your child.
If your child gets frustrated, help them communicate their feelings with you.
Navigating school with a disability
Helping your child navigate the school can be beneficial to their learning abilities and can help improve upon their basic skillsets. Even if your child's school system offers student disability services, it’s necessary to be the best advocate for your child. Below are important questions you should be asking the school system.
What student learning accommodations do you offer?
What accessibility accommodations exist, and how would I know which one applies to my child?
What has this institution done to become more accessible for students with accessibility needs?
What resources do you have in terms of assistive technology?
What’s the process for communicating accessibility accommodations to educators?
What happens if an educator won’t grant an accessibility accommodation?
How is accessibility and inclusivity incorporated into the school’s equality efforts?
Standard test-taking accommodations
Standardized test taking can be difficult for most students as test taking anxieties can be high. Between anxieties related to time constraints, comprehensive knowledge, and strict procedures, students with accessibility needs may find it even more challenging to take standardized tests. When you meet with your child's educator, make sure to ask them what strategies, techniques, or methods they use to assist children who require a little more attention. A few recommended test-taking techniques that most educators use can be found below. Be sure to check with your child's educator to see if they use any of these techniques or others that may not be mentioned below.
Using large print tests.
Allowing students to take a test in a separate room to block distractions.
Breaking the test down into different sections to simplify the material.
Having access to teacher notes during a test.
Reducing complicated language in test questions and separating items when spacing them on the test.
Having a teacher read the test to the student as needed.
Added time to complete tests.
Accessibility and inclusivity needs to be improved in school systems so children can learn safely and effectively at a high level. Thankfully, there are early signs of progress, and we hope accessibility and inclusivity continues to progress and become a primary focus for school systems nationwide. For more mobility tips, follow us on Facebook and check out our blog page!
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