Cerebral Palsy
Teacher tips for an inclusive classroom
For children living with a disability, like cerebral palsy, being included is more difficult than it is for other children.
Adults and other children both too often leave them out, sometimes intentionally but more often based on incorrect assumptions about abilities and level of interest. • Get to know the needs of every student. Every student is a unique individual with different abilities. Each child truly has his or her own limitations and abilities. • Assign seating? When children are allowed to choose their own seating positions, the classroom can become segregated. Sometimes they sit near the door. • Instead of asking for volunteers, call on students randomly. It seems like a good way to make students more comfortable, to ask for volunteers to participate in solving problems or discussions, but it can also lead to exclusion with only the most vocal and assertive students stepping up. Make sure all children are called upon, and push each student to participate in everything. |
• Vary teaching strategies. This is important for all students, not just those with disabilities who tend to be excluded more. All children learn in different ways, so a variety of instructional strategies, like lecturing, reading, videos, interactive apps, small group work, projects, and discussions, help include everyone.
• Make classrooms physically accessible. For some students with cerebral palsy, the only disability may be lack of mobility. Simply having enough space to get around easily can increase inclusion. Make sure there is plenty of space between desks. • Be proactive—and active—about bullying. Bullying is a greater risk for disabled children than others, and it can lead to long-term harm. • Combat discriminatory language immediately. Do not tolerate any language that is discriminatory against anyone, by gender, by sexual orientation, by race or religion, or by disability. • Provide choice in sports and recreation. Students with physical disabilities, like cerebral palsy, are routinely left out of physical activities. Even those with limitations can participate, although they may need modifications or assistive devices. Choice is important in sport. |