Since each student's accommodation needs are unique and the student is often most knowledgeable about effective accommodations, be sure to talk with the student about what accommodations they might need.
Some specific accommodations that might be useful to a student with a health impairment in a science lab include the following:
Podcasts will pose a barrier to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing unless the information is made available in an accessible format. For audio-only podcasts, consider posting a transcript on your course website; this document will also be of value to students who are not deaf. Podcasts that include video can be captioned. Be sure to make transcriptions and captions available in a timely manner.
Technology has become an invaluable tool for many students, including those with learning disabilities such as Dyslexia. However, as explained by Dale Brown in the LD OnLine article Dyslexia and the Challenge of Using Today's Technology, technology also presents new challenges for some students. Problems reported include the following:
A cochlear implant is a small, complex electronic device that can help to provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard-of-hearing. The implant consists of an external portion that sits behind the ear and an internal portion that is surgically placed under the skin. An implant includes the following components:
The training and resource needs of distance learning professionals regarding how to make courses welcoming and accessible to students with disabilities depends on their respective roles. Key stakeholder groups include program administrators, course designers, instructors, and evaluators. Training for these individuals should be tailored to their unique needs and may include content related to access challenges for people with disabilities, legal requirements, accessibility guidelines/standards, design techniques, and resources.
Many students have difficulty seeing the connections between the separate and distinct subjects presented in school. Students at all ability levels often ask, "Well, what does this have to do with that?" They wonder what the purposes of certain lessons or even entire subjects are. When students also struggle with a learning disability, which can make communication and comprehension even more challenging, it is no wonder they often disengage from the classroom.
Since each student's accommodation needs are unique and students are often most knowledgeable about what accommodations work for them, be sure to talk with students about what accommodations they might need.
Some specific science lab accommodations that might be useful to a student who is blind include the following:
Taking classes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in high school, graduating from high school, and participating in career and work-based learning activities, are all important steps towards a career in STEM.
Educators, parents, and other advocates can help students reach these critical junctures by providing mentor and family support, promoting the use of technology, engaging students in activities designed to develop self-determination and STEM interests, and offering internships, research experiences, and/or other work-based learning opportunities.
Since each student's accommodation needs are unique and the student is often most knowledgeable about effective accommodations, be sure to talk with the student about what accommodations they might need.
Some specific accommodations that might be useful to a student with low vision in a science lab include the following:
Since each student's accommodation needs are unique and the student is often most knowledgeable about effective accommodations, be sure to talk with the student about what accommodations they might need.
Some specific accommodations that might be useful to a student who is deaf or hard of hearing in a science lab include the following: