Teaching Students with a Disability (Part 1 of 2)

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All children, despite their disability, should be able to receive a decent education. Unlike in the past, the classroom environments are becoming more inclusive of students with disabilities. It is the job of the teacher, as well as the school, to make all accommodation for any type of student. The biggest challenge for students with a disability may be time. This factor may influence the modification of the lesson plan and the way the curriculum is being taught. But this is not the only modification that needs attention. A student with a disability will, of course, have a physical disability from being able to completing assignments or tasks; which a normal child would not have problems with. In such cases, time may not be enough to help the student. It may become necessary to have technology in the classroom that will support the student with a disability. In “Enabling Dreams,” it is clear that the children in the video are not deficient in intelligence. They just needed the tools to enable them to finish an assignment. Computers are becoming more and more of a necessity, then a convenience. However, not all parents can afford expensive tools such as a computer. There are financial assistance available for students that may need such help. I think that is the job of the school or teacher to advise the parents to seek this kind of help.

Another factor to consider may be mobility. These students may not be able to function or move like a normal student does. This aspect has to be taken into consideration when adding any task or activity that may require constant mobility. Other physical disability may include something as simple as writing or reading from a book. For this case, it may be necessary to have a computer setup for this student. The computer can produce a digital copy of the text, lessons or assignments that need to be done. Like in “Enabling Dreams,” there must be a voice-to-text accessibility software included in allowing that student to complete the assignment. For a hardcopy to be produced, a printer might also be necessary. Unfortunately, tools to assist the student with a disability are not readily available. Another problem will be to teach the student how to use this tool. This can take immense time and cut into the classroom time. Not all schools have aides, and not all schools can accommodate students with a disability. The burden will be on the parents. As a teacher, this can be a challenge in and of itself.

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