When it comes to incorporating accessibility into teaching and training, there are many strategies you can use to facilitate learning for individuals with disabilities. As a teacher, you may not know if someone has a disability. It is important to plan lessons with accessibility in mind so that all students can take part in the learning process.
Incorporating accessibility into teaching and training can be fairly simple. Strategies can include:
- Speaking slowly
- Giving detailed descriptions of images
- Allowing assistive technology
- Using a variety of learning styles during a lesson
Previously, we posted an article on what school board accessibility training should cover. Here, we outline some specific methods for incorporating accessibility into teaching and training students.
Incorporating Accessibility into Teaching and Training for Students with Hearing Impairments
Strategies for training and teaching students with hearing impairments include:
- Speaking in bright areas
- Removing background noise and activity as much as possible
- Speaking slowly enough for interpreters to sign
- Taking breaks to allow interpreters to catch up
- Giving a course outline ahead of time, in case an interpreter needs to look up any specific terms
Incorporating Accessibility into Teaching and Training for Students with Visual Impairments
Strategies for training and teaching students with visual impairments include:
- Giving detailed descriptions of images or graphics
- Speaking as you write on a chalkboard, whiteboard, or flipchart paper
- Giving verbal instructions clearly and directly
- Using tactile aids whenever possible
- Allowing use of assistive technology, such as screen readers
- Providing texts, handouts, and books in alternate formats, such as electronic documents, large print, or Braille
- Giving students copies far in advance so that they can arrange to have Braille versions made
- Helping learners with visual impairments around the classroom until they have memorized the layout
- Keeping aisles and walkways free from clutter and tripping
Incorporating Accessibility into Teaching and Training for Students with Learning Impairments
Strategies for training and teaching students with learning impairments include:
- Breaking work into small steps
- Using individualized plans or checklists
- Outlining tasks in small chunks
- Allowing more time for learners to complete work
- Letting learners use assistive technology, such as iPads
- Scribing for learners while they speak
- Helping learners with time management
- Stating expectations
- Giving clear instructions
- Using a combination of teaching methods
Differences make people who they are and are cause for celebration. However, sometimes differences, in the forms of disabilities, need different teaching and training techniques in order to ensure that all learners receive important information.
Be ready at all times to think on your feet and change up strategies in case something isn’t working. Having a few ideas in your back pocket can help you change methods if the need arises. If there is any doubt about how to best accommodate a learner with a disability, ask! Most learners will be happy to share ideas to make teaching and training more effective.