Unique Academic Challenges & Solutions for Special Needs Students
Other than the perception of a disabled person, such as a student in crutches or a wheelchair, there are different types of special needs students with a wide spectrum of disabilities that should be accommodated. This spectrum includes students who are visually impaired or hard of hearing, have mild to severe autism, have Down syndrome, or are physically challenged and confined to wheelchairs.
Different things can act as obstacles to education. They may be physical, technological, systemic, financial, or attitudinal, or they may result from a supplier of education failing to promptly provide a necessary accommodation.
The biggest obstacles to providing educational services to students with impairments seem to be the following:
Insufficient funds : The primary cause of the delayed and reduced special education services was cited as this. Frequently, rather than taking into account the actual needs of students with disabilities, budgetary factors are taken into account when making accommodations.
Physical Barriers : Students with disabilities still have trouble accessing educational programs due to physical obstacles including heavy doors, the absence of ramps or elevators in multi-level school buildings, inaccessible restrooms, and/or inconvenient transportation to and from school.
Lack of Individualization : Instead of evaluating each student on an individual basis, some education providers at the primary and secondary levels rely on blanket approaches to accommodations.
Negative Perception : Special needs students continue to encounter negative attitudes in the educational system because of wrong beliefs. It may be challenging for students to get educational services if people lack awareness and sensitivity to disability issues.
Bullying and peer interaction : Compared to their peers, special needs students are more likely to face bullying. As a result, they can exhibit problematic behaviours or seriously jeopardize their attendance at school, which can seriously impede their education.
Removing obstacles to learning
Teachers and parents are confronted with the challenge of trying to develop strategies for special needs pupils to overcome the many barriers to learning that they can manage because certain barriers to learning cannot be removed without government action, such as enough financing and accessibility.
Every child deserves the same opportunities and a great quality of life, so let's look at some ways that teachers and parents may support their students and children so that they succeed in school.
1. Establishing trusting connections
Making a significant effect in the classroom starts with teachers developing strong relationships with their pupils. Teachers should take the time to get to know their students, learning about their aspirations, interests, and academic strengths and weaknesses. By doing this, you may personalize your teaching approach to meet the unique needs of each student.
2. Regular interaction between parents and teachers
Because homework is being completed at home to keep up with the progress made in class, teachers are better equipped to adapt their lesson plans and teaching strategies to each student's growth as a result.
3. Encourage them to seek assistance
When it comes to schooling and social situations, special needs youngsters lack confidence. By providing ongoing reinforcement and support, both parents and instructors can help combat this by empowering students to speak up in class or request extra assistance from their parents at home.
4. Throughout the academic year, set reasonable goals and objectives
It's crucial that teachers get this one properly. Each child's learning capacity for special needs pupils will be unique and proportionately different from that of their peers. This must be taken into consideration when creating expectations for special needs students. Behavioural aims may be more helpful for the student than academic goals and targets. For instance, concentrating on paying attention in class, refraining from being disruptive, and showing respect for other students and teachers. Parents can set boundaries and expectations for their children's behaviour at home using the goals and targets established at school. A wonderful technique to motivate people to keep to their objectives and aims is through positive reinforcement. To promote good behaviour, many parents and instructors adopted systems like star charts.
5. Establish a secure and interesting atmosphere
All kids benefit from a well-designed classroom with sufficient space and lighting, but special needs students need a calm setting with few interruptions in order to focus and study. To create the ideal environment for special needs pupils to thrive in, keep the following in mind both at school and at home:
• Natural light is enough in the room.
• Check the temperature.
• Check the colour. Keep the wall colours simple with white and beige.
6. Be passionate and interested about learning
Gold stars, rocket charts, and target boards can be just as motivating as treats and awards for special needs youngsters because positive reinforcement works so well with them. Instant gratification will assist a child in connecting the reward with the task.
7. Promote friendships and cheer others on
One of the largest obstacles to learning is bullying and poor communication between special needs children and their peers, which lowers self-confidence and makes special needs pupils less likely to attend school.
Also read,
Teaching Strategies Of Special Education Schools.
How Do Inclusive Schools Benefit A Special Child? Find The Best Special School In Mumbai.
What Therapies Are Required For Children With Special Learning Needs?
