PHYSICAL DISABILITY

There is nothing more unequal than the equal treatment of unequal people - Thomas
Jefferson
Enhancing family and community participation
All teachers should be in partnership with all parents (100% communication) to maximise
student learning, participation and school satisfaction.
A bad teacher does not communicate with the parent of the child effectively and does not
respect the level of confidentiality due to ALL students, and even more so from students with
disabilities. This teacher also only talked to the students nurse, rather than the child,
excluding the student from class activities and demeaning him as a person. Student was
also excluded from excursions because the teacher didn't book a disability access bus.
Because of the students disability he was excluded from arts and PE because the teacher
didnt use inclusive methods of teaching.
The good teacher contacted the parent with potential teaching strategies before the year
began and purposely made sure any potential excursions were access friendly and
promoted inclusion at all stages of learning. He was also included in any after school
opportunities and arrangements were made so he could participate. The teacher impressed
upon the parent and student that you should never give up on a student because they have
a disability.

Strategies suggested by this lecture:

Constant communication with all parties -parent, teachers, disability services, ssos,
any nurses, etc.
Think CREATIVELY about how to include the child in all activities
Wheelchair basketball
Touch drawing tablet? Instead of regular colouring?
110% transparency with parent
Challenges for teacher
Teacher communication and avoiding alienation of the child.
Teachers level of empathy and caring
How has this informed what I will do as an educator?
While planning units, include potential alternatives for students with disabilities, both
physical, cognitive and mental health issues (diverse needs)
Potentially create a weekly newsletter for parents? Maintaining open communication
with ALL parents and open additional communication lines with parents of children
with diverse needs (this also informs teachers and parents of what students will be
doing in future years.

Siblings of students with disabilities :

Challenges include attention deficits from parents, continually accommodating the child with
a disability during family outings and holidays, etc.

Children would rather be praised than punished, but they would rather be punished
than ignored.
How can I support these children in my class?
 Focus on all students achievements
Discuss career plans
Build positive relationships
3 main principles:
Quality teaching and learning
Consultation
Collaborative practice and planning.