As the summer closes, our attention turns towards back to school. School bags, pencils, crayons and other school supplies are at the forefront of parents and students minds. However, when the student has a disability, there are many other aspects to think and be prepared. As a teacher with a student who has a disability, there are many suggestions that you can use to not only make you a successful teacher, but your student more comfortable and ready to learn.
The first step on your to do list is to research the disability of the student. I’ve sat through an entire IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and the mainstream teacher continued to say that the student had multiple sclerosis instead of cerebral palsy. So please avoid this embarrassment and research. As you research, keep in mind that each student is an individual. So, you might know the facts about the disability but each disability affects the person in a unique ways.
If your student uses a wheelchair or mobility device, it might be tempting to have them sit in the very front of class. Now it’s your time to be creative. Students who have disabilities do not want to stand out anymore than they might already feel that they do. If you seat students by alphabet order, then think about how you can do that for the student as well. If you can’t put them in the middle of the classroom, at least put them on the end row in the middle or back. Consider various desk layouts such as a horseshoe placement.
Try to set your mind to not hold any limits to the student. If you have in your mind that your student can’t succeed, you aren’t going to teach them in the way they deserve. Set no limits on your student and they will soar. Be realistic without setting any limitations that will hurt or hinder them. If a student feels that a teacher believes in them, all kinds of terrific things will happen.
If your student has a speech impediment, you might feel the need to ignore them because it’s easier on the both of you. But there will be a time when they will not be in the safety of the school and they will need to communicate with others. Practicing communication is a benefit and discovering the best method for them to communicate. Do not allow other students to make fun of how someone talks. We all communicate differently, and that needs to be respected.
Be prepared to adapt to the student. I was a very good algebra student even though I had to dictate everything to my aid. My teacher knew I knew the material so for the final exam, he gave me five different problems that covered everything he was looking for instead of insisting I did the full thirty question one that would take me hours to dictate.
A wonderful teacher have similar qualities. They care, learn, seek solutions and want children to succeed. Try putting yourself in the shoes of the student. What kind of teacher would you want to have?
originally published on cerebral palsy news today by Jessica Grono
