The Importance of Accessible Education for Those Living With Disability
Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in a way that works best for them. This can be incredibly challenging to those living with disability.
People with disability often face barriers to education that prevent them from achieving their fullest potential. In this article we will explore the importance of accessible education and discuss some of the ways you can make sure every child thrives in an inclusive learning environment.
What Is Accessible Education And Why Is It Important?
Accessible education ensures that the learning programs are designed in a way that can be accessed by everyone, regardless of ability or disability. It promotes inclusivity so participants can express themselves during learning activities, so their needs don’t go unnoticed.
Inclusion doesn’t stop at encouraging them to get involved– it follows adequate policies and practices to make everyone feel welcomed, included, and valued.
People living with disability deserve to be included in everyday activities, so they feel equal to their peers. When they feel welcomed and included in the community, they can become more confident to take up more social responsibilities, such as working on a day job or volunteering at a local organisation.
Challenges To Inclusive And Accessible Education
Inclusive and accessible education is not always guaranteed, unfortunately. Despite the educational developments over the years, it still poses a massive challenge for schools and educators.
Some of these limitations include:
1. Lack of information.
Some families know that a loved one with disability will need to have some form of learning support. Sadly, not a lot of them are aware of the options available.
In some cases, they might know what support is available but may not have a convenient or affordable way to access them.
Families and participants must be educated on the disability support services available for them and how they can use them to further their loved one’s education.
2. Limited local support.
One of the biggest challenges people with disability face is the limited support and coordination from their local community.
A person with disability must be given the same opportunities as the rest of the community. Meaningful community participation allows them to feel accepted and included. Their community should recognise their contributions and encourage them to become more involved in other relevant aspects of society.
3. Undiagnosed or misdiagnosed disability.
When it comes to providing access for students with disabilities, teachers and administrators need a firm grasp of the situation. The first step in achieving such is a proper diagnosis and evaluation backed by medical support.
An undiagnosed disability may lead to lifelong repercussions, and they may be unable to access the necessary learning support their condition requires.
There should be an open collaboration between educators and the medical team to ensure that each is given the assistance based on their learning needs.
Career Paths For People WIth Disability
While accessible education still has a long way to go, it’s promising to see how various industries have opened their doors to people living with … Read More..