There are many resources and services that should be listed in a student's IEP (Individualized Education Plan) that teachers can access in order to maximize the learning experience for students with physical disabilities. IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) 2004 provides the latest federal provisions addressing the legal expectations for Districts receiving funding for students with disabilities. The following teacher tips can be used in creating an effective learning environment for physically disabled students.
- Resource people who provide relevant services should be included in the daily classroom schedule. If a student needs physical therapy, then their schedule should reflect a timeframe for services to be provided within the school environment. If a student has an auditory impairment resulting in language disabilities, weekly sessions with the speech pathologist should be a given during scheduling. Study rooms where students can have individualized case management can also be included in the mainstream scheduling for students who may need extra time and support in processing academic content areas.
- Using adaptive technology and providing a classroom that is accessible for a student's wheelchair, electronic or other orthopedic devices used in providing mobility in the classroom can also contribute to an inclusionary learning environment.
- Modifications in curriculum and lesson planning to address the cognitive challenges that may be indicated in a student's IEP is a given in maximizing learning capacity for students with physical disabilities. By communicating with the student's case manager (i.e. special education teacher) about effective implementation of the specially designed IEP in the classroom, a teacher can go a long way in proactively addressing their learning needs.
- Professional development is a must in providing teachers with a better understanding of what strategies would be the most effective in transforming a classroom into an ideal place of learning for physically disabled students. Communicating what accommodations are needed in the classroom to other students, teachers, instructional assistants or other resource staff can provide the necessary professional expertise and resources to maximize the learning for students with physical disabilities.