Though decorations are often thought of as unnecessary extras, they set the tone for classrooms. Children with disabilities often become marginalized by posters and photos that don't represent people who look like them. Just as decorations should have photos of people of all races and genders, they should also include the disabled. Avoid decorations that show disabled people in stereotypical roles such as a person in a wheelchair being pushed by someone else. Instead, use images that feature disabled people engaging in a variety of activities.
Both IDEA and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require that persons with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations in education, meaning educators must make minor adjustments that make education more accessible. For example, a student who is frequently ill due to a disability should receive an exemption from the attendance policy, and a student who is wheelchair bound should not be forced to participate in fitness tests that require running. Talk to your disabled students and their parents about what has worked in the past. Ask them about obstacles in your current classroom that make learning more challenging, then eliminate those obstacles.
Children with severe disabilities should have access to specialists at school. For example, a hearing-impaired child should have a sign language interpreter. If your school does not provide these specialists, seek permission to speak to the specialists the child's parents use. They may provide insight about the specific needs of the student and how your classroom can better meet those needs.
Many educators mistakenly believe that by talking about disabilities with students they may increase alienation of disabled students. In reality, talking openly about ability differences is one of the best ways to prevent bullying and promote inclusion. Explain to students that everyone has something that is hard for them to do. Some students struggle with math, making friends or singing. Other students struggle with hearing or walking. Ask each student in the class to name something they are good at and something with which they struggle. Then ask each student to talk about ways other students can help them improve their ability to accomplish tasks they find difficult. This activity encourages students to think about how to help disabled students.