• Build information about disabilities into the curriculum
• Direct instruction:
• Guest speakers
• Advocasy groups
• Famous people
• Video and print media:
• Forrest Gump
• Rainman
• The Miracle Worker
• My Left Foot
• Mine For Keeps
• Demonstrating and using adaptive technology
• Talking computers
• Adapted tools with easy grip handles
• Arrange simulation activities
• Wear bulky gloves and pick up a paper clip, sort papers, or write something
• Have students eat lunch using their non-dominant hand
• Peer tutoring/mentoring
• Pair work
• Group work (cooperative learning)
• Talk to the resource teacher, parents, and the personal attendant
• Talk to the counsellor

Classroom Accommodations for Students with Physical Disabilities:

• Wide enough aisles and walkways (instead of traditional rows, put groups of desks together to save space)
• Lower chalkboards, or provide a slate for a student in a wheelchair
• Safety Issues: have plans in place for emergency drills
• Handrails in the classroom or hallway
• Desks or worktables should be adapted (high enough)
• Doorways need to be wide enough
• The student in a wheelchair should be able to open the classroom door, or else it could be left open

Do:

• Introduce the student to the other students
• Make small gestures to give the student a sense of belonging
• Foster a positive attitude of acceptance in the classroom by teaching students that it’s okay to be different
• Keep open lines of communication with the parents
• Overcome fears through understanding and communication
• Encourage questions to increase understanding
• Allow extra time to answer questions
• Use a variety of strategies

• Be afraid
• Think that there’s nothing you can do
• Hesitate in giving praise to all the students