The Inclusion Classroom
An inclusion classroom provides opportunity and equal access to learning regardless of the child’s ability level. An inclusion classroom benefits ALL learners. It involves accommodating and modifying the curriculum to reach all the learners needs. Your child will get to participate in all activities in and out of the classroom. This means school-wide events, specials, classroom activities, field trips, extra curricular, clubs, etc. The classroom and VE teacher will support your child’s needs by implementing resources, support staff, and/or assistive technology.
Celebrating differences! All children are encouraged to interact with all peers. An inclusive classroom is where diversity, including disabilities are celebrated. Children are encouraged to ask questions. Asking questions will not only result in positive answers, but can also serve as a learning opportunity for children to gain a better understanding through a new perspective. Children with disabilities will be midst their peers, not isolated away from other children. This lends perfect opportunity for the teacher to facilitate conversation, further educate, and spread awareness in honor of differences. Every child is different. And all their differences should be celebrated!
If your child uses a mobility aid such as a wheelchair, scooter, walker, cane, walking braces, crutches, or any orthotic device, then the teacher will be notified in order to arrange the classroom appropriately. Inclusive classrooms are designed to be physically accessible for all students. This means wheelchairs can access all points of the room, walkers can fit through desk rows, walkers and canes can be strategically placed, etc. If you have a specific request regarding your child’s device, be sure to communicate the request to the teacher upfront and immediately. Immediacy will increase the likelihood of the request granted upon the onset of the school year. Similarly, if a child has a communication/ language deficit or visual impairment, alternative functional communication methods and visual schedules can be requested for your child.
Remember, accommodations can be implemented in the classroom to help the child be more comfortable in their environment and to be more successful. There will be high expectations for all children regardless of their ability levels. The teacher’s goal is to have the appropriate tools in place for the child to be successful and then to watch them grow!
Please contact either of us at Nikki@collaborativecorner.org or leslie@collaborativecorner.org with any of your questions or concerns for the approaching new school year.
Nikki Waitt, M.Ed., RBT
Behavioral Therapist and Varied Exceptionalities Teacher
Leslie Haynes, B.Ed.
Inclusion Teacher, Parent Advocate, and Special Olympics Coach