7 . I may miss school sometimes
Some students with disability see a variety of medical professionals and therapists . Appointments are made well in advance and are difficult to change . Sometimes health needs mean students are away from school for extended periods . This means schools need to be patient with absences and help students catch up . As one parent told us :
Earlier this year my son was away from school for six weeks . The teachers were amazing in organising extensions , liaising with the hospital school , and sent work to him at home when he was feeling better .
8 . I need to be included in all aspects of school
Inclusion in the full school curriculum means involvement physically , academically , socially and emotionally . But students with disability are often excluded from things such as physical activity . Teachers may be worried about students getting hurt or be unsure about how to adapt activities .
As one student told us :
I really struggle with sport , like when we play dodgeball and I can ’ t see the ball . So , I had to hold on to someone ’ s hand and jump over the ball . It was fun , but I think things should be made more accessible .
Like everyone else , not being able to participate effectively leads to boredom and frustration . This can see some students act out . As one student told us : audio description , and I ’ m just sitting there . Sometimes I sneak my phone out because I ’ m just so bored .
9 . I may need special equipment
Students with disability may need special technology or devices such as screen readers , word prediction software or communication boards . These are essential for equitable access and should not be denied because other students do not need them . A one parent told us :
The school refused to provide a braille machine . I wanted to take it to the Department of Education , but couldn ’ t , because I worked at the school . That ’ s why we ended up buying one . The whole time the [ school ] said ‘ no , it ’ s too expensive , we ’ re not buying it . We ’ ve only got one kid who needs it ’.
Another parent agreed :
We need a bit more conversation around how different things are [ for our children ]. Not that they can ’ t do things . They can do just about everything , but not the way other children do .
Students with disability want their teachers to know that just like every student , they have needs , goals and aspirations . They also have insight and experience that can support their access and participation in mainstream contexts . We just need to listen .
This article was originally published in the Conversation . Read the original article here
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