Accessibility plays a vital role in the classroom. It not only fosters a positive environment where students of all abilities have the opportunity to learn, grow, and collaborate, it also ensures children with physical disabilities have equal chances to participate by removing stigma and barriers. Accessibility takes many forms, as every student has unique physical, sensory, and cognitive needs.

The attached video below is inspiring; they did a great job detailing the importance of educational accessibility and being an advocate for those with disabilities. Being flexible and adapt to your student’s needs is a huge part of being a champion teacher. The change starts with us.

While scrolling on Pinterest, I stumbled upon a list of 10 Examples of Inclusion you may include in a classroom!

1. Flexible Seating Options – Offer a variety of seating, such as desks, tables, bean bags, and standing desks. This accommodates student’s individual preferences and needs.
2. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) – Integrate UDL principles into lesson planning to ensure that learning materials, activities, and assessments are accessible and adaptable. This approach supports diverse learning styles and promotes equal opportunities for all students.
3. Peer Tutoring and Mentoring – Pair students of varied abilities and backgrounds. These collaborative relationships foster academic support, social connection, and a sense of belonging within the classroom.
4. Mixed-Ability Grouping – Use mixed-ability groupings during collaborative activities and projects. This encourages students to learn from one another’s strengths and perspectives, which promotes mutual respect, empathy, and inclusion.
5. Inclusive Language and Representation – Incorporate inclusive language and diverse cultural, social, and personal identities in classroom discussions, materials, and resources. This ensures all students feel seen and respected.
6. Accommodations and Modifications – Provide personalized accommodations and modifications to meet the diverse learning needs of students. This ensures equal access to the curriculum and supports all learners’ success in their educational journey.
7. Culturally Responsive Teaching – Normalize practices that recognize and celebrate student’s cultural backgrounds and experiences. This fosters engagement, relevance, and pride in identity, strengthening inclusivity. Spreading knowledge on each classmate’s ethnicity and background will only make your classroom stronger!!
8. Student Voice and Choice – Encourage students to express their preferences, interests, and opinions in classroom decisions and learning activities. Giving students a say supports motivation to partake in activities and a stronger sense of ownership and pride in their work.
9. Positive Behavior Support – Implement strategies that reinforce positive behaviors. Address individual needs with grace and patience. Creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment nurtures inclusivity and belonging.
10. Family and Community Engagement – Build strong partnerships with families and communities through open communication and collaboration. Involving families in classroom life and decision-making enhances student support, shared responsibility, and collective success.

These Examples of Inclusion offer a starting point when designing an inclusive classroom. Creating an inclusive classroom is an ongoing commitment, as you need to meet the needs of every learner. By embracing flexibility, diversity, and empathy in our teaching practices, we build a learning environment where all students feel valued and supported, to reach their full potential. When educators design for inclusion, every student gains a sense of belonging and purpose. Ultimately, inclusion benefits not only individual learners but also strengthens the entire classroom community. I will be including several of these ideas in my future classroom.

Below is another short video by Shelley Moore that helped me understand the importance of being a lifelong learner and always educating myself on the importance of accessibility in the classroom. 

“All we need to do is change our aim.” – Shelley Moore

In the classroom: Below are a few examples of posters that could be used in a classroom to address inclusion and accessibility. Having a conversation, along with having fun and engaging posters, is a great way to help students begin to understand the importance of making everyone feel seen and heard. Stress the message “All students have an important role in the classroom.”