Accessible Learning

 The Benefits of Accessible Learning

Many students have neurodivergences that make it more difficult for them to learn in a traditional classroom setting.  However, instead of writing them off, it's best to make accommodations to help them learn better.  That way, they can get the necessary tools to succeed.  Case in point, me. 

Accommodations

Accommodations can come in all shapes and sizes.  They can vary from individual accommodations like an aide to help the student stay focused, and digital recording software that records the lecture, to classroom sized accommodations, like "Learning spaces with seating surfaces that promote kinesthetic movement style" (Inclusive 37). Great care must be taken when choosing these accommodations. One person may need more help reading, while another may need more help paying attention. Even then, you must be careful about how to apply the accommodation.  Choose the wrong aid, and you'll have somebody who yells at the student constantly, for minor infractions.  Choose the right aid, and you'll provide a close confidant for the student, who will help them through thick and thin.

Me with my aid, Mrs Chiofalo.
(Now goes by Mr France)

My own experience

I am somebody on the Autism Spectrum.  I'm particularly knowedgable about Autism accommodations, because I've been dealing with them all my life.  Special Ed classrooms, IEP Meetings, Aides, you name it.  Even now, I'm accommodated with Genio, a program that records lectures for me.  I've had a lot of accommodations in my career, that have helped me get to where I am now.  For those accommodations, I am grateful.  Well, all but one.  

In second grade, I had a verbally abusive old hag of an aid named Mrs Francie.  She yelled at me a lot for misbehaving, or even just doing mildly annoying silly things.  The yelling was so bad that I didn't want to go to school, and my parents eventually convinced the school board to replace her with Mrs Chiofalo, the next year.  To this day, that year with her has given me a fear of being yelled at, and has contributed to self esteem issues I continue to face to this day.  This is why I say you should be careful when choosing accommodations.

Fun Sounding Accommodations To Be Used Now

As shown in page 37 of the Inclusive Learning ebook, one fun accommadation that can be implemented in more classrooms is flexible seating surfaces.  According to the text, "Options could include surfaces that provide for vestibular and kinesthetic movement, such as bouncy balls, swivel chairs, and durable cushions. Learners who are practicing to regulate attention may find they can maintain focus longer with fewer distractions while their body is involved in spontaneous motor movements." (Inclusive 37).   Not only would the chairs be comfortable, but they'd make focusing easier for students.  Here's to a good learning experience.