Excelling as a scholar with a disability or learning challenge can be difficult, especially in a mainstream school. There is a need for support services for intellectual disability to help these disadvantaged children learn better, feel more confident, and get ready for the world after graduation.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the benefits of inclusive education for students with disabilities and provide strategies for creating and teaching in an inclusive classroom.

What Is an Inclusive Classroom?

An inclusive or open classroom is one in which all class members, including those with disabilities, can access learning resources and opportunities. Unlike special education classrooms, these classrooms facilitate the combined learning of everyone, disabled and non-disabled.

The model is based on multiple theories positing that scholars with unique abilities optimize learning opportunities when they are kept together with their non-disabled peers. 

What Are the Benefits?

Let’s see how learners can benefit from accessible education in mainstream schools.

• Every scholar is positively challenged to meet higher academic standards
• The non-disabled learners understand their peers with unique needs in the school.
• There are tailored educational approaches geared towards offering all-round assistance for individual scholars.
• Pupils communicate better and build more vital social skills.
• Learners without special needs become better as they function as peer coaches.

Creating Open Classrooms

You can start creating a class for all by modifying the teaching models and expectations to work with any special needs. Be adaptable and flexible for learners who may require extra time and resources. These accommodations depend on the unique wants of your class.

For pupils with physical disabilities, make these provisions:

• Dedicated access routes and spaces for people in wheelchairs
• Flexibility with start times to accommodate pupils with unique transportation arrangements
• Longer tests durations
• Implementation of study groups to build community-like bond
• Adoption of any required assistive technology

For people with intellectual disabilities, make these accommodations to ensure inclusive education for students with disabilities:

• Scholars can be allowed to answer questions verbally or with a computer.
• Structure tailored tasks and marking systems depending on the unique needs.
• Allow learners to skip some subjects or assignments
• Offer audio or academic resources with well-spaced bold texts.
• Employ special lighting.

Tips for Teaching Disadvantaged Students in Open Classrooms

Here are valuable tips for teaching pupils with special needs:

• State your expectations regarding punctuality, conduct, and dates for submitting assignments and tasks.
• Write these obligations and sample them in the classroom.
• Start every class by providing an overview of the topic’s scope.
• Facilitate peer-to-peer coaching
• Allow scholars to record your classes so they can revisit the recordings later.
• Allow learners to ask questions and interact among themselves while you provide answers.
• Have regular check-ins to ensure that they are on track with the class requirements.
• Encourage your pupils with positive feedback.

Planning Lessons & Promoting a Productive Environment

The goal is to plan the lessons for inclusive education for the disabled, making sure they cater to all your pupils, including those with special needs. Consider these strategies for a productive learning environment:

Flexible test modes: Explore different models of giving assignments or tests. For example, offer alternative assignments or approaches highlighting the strengths of scholars with special needs. You can also give them more time to complete these tasks and regularly check to see that they are progressing well.

Be available: Schedule times to talk and let them know your availability. They can talk to you about their concerns inside and outside the classroom.

Provide resources: There are resources set aside for student development. Let your pupils understand that they can access these resources, academic and otherwise, within the school.

Enforce regulations: Agree with your them on some rules in the class, primarily related to using inappropriate words or actions when discussing disabilities. For example, you can have a swear jar to discourage using foul words.

Follow up: Check in with your pupils to observe those struggling or acting out. Create an enabling environment for them to talk without intruding and refer them to additional resources if the challenges are outside your scope.

Teaching Strategies for Open Classrooms

Here are some disability and inclusive education strategies one can employ to ensure it is a performance-oriented environment:

• Adjusting the syllabus and other areas of the class work to accommodate every member of the class
• Promoting group tasks to build a sense of community
• Asking questions and listening to understand the particular scholars’ necessities

You may also employ collaborative teaching procedures to ensure every class member is involved.

Conclusion

Open classrooms come with several undeniable benefits. With our shared proven teaching strategies, students with disabilities in schools can experience an improved academic journey.

Follow our listed tips to help generate a learning atmosphere that caters to everyone’s needs and builds a rapport and general acceptance for a more fulfilling learning venture.

For more clarification, consult our team at Gateway Counseling Center. We are your trusted partners, 100% dedicated to building a conducive environment for scholars to learn, connect, and nurture valuable life skills.