Barriers in an environment
Consider an environment in which you teach, such as lecture theatre, studio or laboratory.
Make a list of
- the possible barriers faced by disabled students
- actions you could take, in advance, to remove or minimise barriers.
For example, imagine that you have planned a lesson to be given in a lecture theatre, which includes a PowerPoint presentation, some handouts and small group discussion.
Look at this lesson from the student’s point of view.
- A deaf student with a sign-language interpreter
- A student with mobility issues that cause pain when sitting still and affect writing
- A blind student who has a guide dog
- A student with mental health difficulties that make it difficult to enter and remain in a room with many people
- A student with specific learning difficulties who has trouble following instructions and a lack of concentration
What barriers do you think might exist?
Think about the communication arrangements that might be required, the way you will go about offering your material, the information that you would produce and when you would make it available to students.
Are there any specific facilities or equipment required?
What (and how) will you let your students know about the lesson?
How will you know what to do?
Areas to check
- Inclusive teaching - Barriers to learning
- Inclusive teaching - Learning materials
- Understanding and awareness - Describing disability
You can download and use this activity page as a Word document for staff development purposes.