Make a Difference: Tools for Enabling Faculty to Teach Students with Disabilities

Teaching Strategies and Accommodations

The following sections in this CD focus on strategies and accommodations for teaching students with specific disabilities. Here are some general strategies that have been found to be effective with all students with disabilities.

Work closely with the student to determine what accommodations will be helpful. Each student with a disability is unique. Even though two people have the same disability, the accommodations they need may differ. Students are the experts on their own disabilities. Students will likely have a letter from the office that provides services to students with disabilities on your campus stating the accommodations for which they are eligible. It is up to the instructor and student to determine how to work out the arrangements for the particular course.
Announce in class that you are available to discuss modifications with any student who needs accommodations for a disability. Avoid singling out students in class. Making yourself available to all students is an invitation for the student to approach you.
Include a statement on your syllabus stating your institution's policy on providing accommodations to students with disabilities.

Example: It is the policy of _______ to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to federal and state law. Any student with a disability who needs accommodation, for example in arrangements for seating, examinations, notetaking, or access to information on the web should inform the instructor at the beginning of the course. The chair of the department offering this course is also available to assist with accommodations. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact Disability Support Services, which is located in the _______Building, Room #____, telephone _________.

Review resources on Universal Design of Instruction. There are many strategies that enhance instruction for all students and at the same time make courses more accessible to students with disabilities. These strategies also often reduce the need for accommodations.