How to Help Children with Disabilities to Thrive in the Classroom

Every child can learn and should get a chance to improve. You can help Children with disabilities feel welcome and part of the group.

• About 15% of students in the world have a learning disability.
• In the United States, 20% of kids have learning or thinking differences.

If you use special strategies and set high goals, studies show children with disabilities gain skills and feel more confident. What you do in class is important.

Key Takeaways

• Every child should get a chance to learn and grow. Make your classroom a place where everyone feels welcome.
• Use kind words when you talk about disabilities. This teaches students to be caring and understanding.
• Divide tasks into small steps. This helps students with disabilities learn better and feel less worried.
• Celebrate differences in your classroom. Share stories and do activities that include everyone and show their special skills.
• Expect great things from all students. Cheer for their hard work and celebrate when they improve. This helps them feel confident.
• Talk often with families. Working together helps children learn at school and at home.
• Build a friendly classroom. Use group work and let students help each other. This helps them make friends and learn together.
• Use helpful tools and technology. These things can help students join in and do well in class.

Inclusive Classroom

Making an inclusive classroom starts with how you act. Your attitude matters a lot. You show students how to treat each other. If you are kind and respectful, students copy you.

Respect and Empathy

Model Language

You can use respectful words every day. Say “a student with autism” instead of “an autistic student.” Talk nicely about differences.

When you speak in a positive way, students learn from you. Use surveys to ask students how they want to be called. This helps everyone feel important.

Anti-Bullying

Make rules that stop bullying. Tell students that teasing is not allowed. You can make a class promise to be kind. Ask students to tell you if they see bullying. When you make the classroom positive, students feel safe.

Studies show respect and empathy help students get along. Students with and without disabilities become better friends. Teachers see more kindness and a stronger classroom.

Avoid Stereotypes

Challenge Assumptions

You can stop stereotypes by learning about each student. Do not guess what a child can do. Ask questions and listen to their stories. When you know how students learn, you can change lessons to help them.

Value Individuality

Each student is special and brings something new. Celebrate their talents and hobbies. Use different books and activities for all learners.

Families see that inclusive classrooms help kids make friends and feel welcome. Including students with disabilities helps everyone learn social skills.

• Families of children with disabilities see big gains from inclusive classrooms.
• Classrooms with many kinds of students help everyone grow.
• Research shows including students with disabilities does not hurt others’ learning and can help.

Supportive Atmosphere

Peer Support

Ask students to work together. Group projects and games help everyone join in. When students talk, they learn and make friends. Planned group work helps students learn and get better at talking to others.

Celebrate Diversity

Celebrate diversity by sharing stories and talking about different cultures and abilities. Make your classroom welcoming for all.

Set up your classroom so everyone can use it. Give extra help and tools when needed. A safe classroom helps kids feel calm and ready to learn.

• Safe classrooms help everyone feel less stressed.
• Working together and having routines help students feel safe.
• Quiet spaces help students who need a break.

When you show respect, fight stereotypes, and make a caring classroom, you help children with disabilities do well. What you do every day matters a lot.

Adapt Lessons

Changing lessons helps all students learn better. You can make small changes that help a lot. If you break tasks into steps and use pictures, learning gets easier for children with disabilities.

Small Steps

Break Down Tasks

Begin by splitting big assignments into smaller parts. Give simple directions for each step. You might say, “Write your name. Read the question. Circle your answer.” This way, students can follow instructions and feel less stressed.

• Breaking tasks into small pieces helps students pay attention.
• Direct teaching and using many senses make learning easier.
• Giving extra help in small groups meets special needs.

Use Visuals

Pictures and charts make lessons easier to understand. Use diagrams and drawings to show ideas. You can put graphic organizers on the wall or give copies to students. Some students learn better when they see things instead of just hearing them.

Share information in different ways. Try videos, drawings, or hands-on work. Students with autism or dyslexia often do better with pictures and written directions.

Flexible Assessments

Multiple Modalities

Let students show what they know in many ways. Some may write, others may draw, or use computers. You can let students answer by talking, typing, or using special devices. This helps everyone do their best.

• Change assignments so students can use pictures, charts, or speak answers.
• Use games, talks, or real-life lessons to check learning.
• Set personal goals but use the same activities for all.

Visual Supports

Add pictures and colors to tests and homework. Use colored sections, icons, or simple drawings. These help students stay organized and remember what to do. Pictures also help students who have trouble with words feel less worried.

Accessible Space

Arrange Furniture

Set up your classroom so everyone can move around easily. Make sure there are clear paths between desks and tables.

Students who use wheelchairs or walkers need more space. You can also make small group areas for quiet work.

1. Work with students and families to find the best setup.
2. Make sure paths are clear for moving.
3. Change lighting and sound to help students learn.

Sensory Areas

Make quiet corners or sensory spaces. Add fidgets, soft seats, or headphones for students who need breaks. Talk about sensory needs often. Ask students what helps them feel good.

Making a classroom accessible means more than ramps. You build lessons and spaces for everyone. When you share information in many ways and give sensory supports, you help children feel safe and ready to learn.

Help Children Thrive

Every child should get a chance to grow. You can help children do well by making routines. Notice what each child needs. Keep talking with students and families. These steps help a lot in the classroom.

Daily Routines

Consistency

Children feel better when they know what will happen. Make a daily schedule and follow it. Put the routine on the wall with pictures or words. Go over it every morning so everyone feels ready.

You may see children feel calmer and act out less when routines stay the same. Keeping things steady helps children with disabilities feel safe. When you keep the schedule, children can focus on learning.

Reduce Stress

Stress makes learning harder. You can lower stress by making changes smooth. Give warnings before switching activities. Use a timer or bell to show when it is time to change. Give children a few minutes to finish up.

• Routines help children feel safe and less worried.
• Children feel less nervous when they know what will happen.
• Planned activities help children talk and move better.

Use a visual schedule or checklist so students know what is next. This helps children feel calm and less worried.

Individual Needs

Check-Ins

Each child is different. Check in with students every day. Greet them at the door with a smile or high five. Ask how they feel or if they need help. These small actions show you care and help children feel noticed.

1. Greet students at the door to make them feel welcome.
2. Use praise to encourage good choices.
3. Make a seating chart to help students focus.

You can use a feelings chart or thumbs-up/thumbs-down system. This lets children share feelings without talking.

Nonverbal Cues

Some children do not use words to show needs. Watch for body language, faces, or energy changes. If a child looks upset or tired, offer a break or quiet space. Use a signal, like a card or hand sign, so students can ask for help without speaking.

• Changes in the classroom, like soft seats or quiet corners, help different needs.
• Tools like pencil grips or big print help children work alone.
• Friends help each other and show good behavior.

When you notice words and actions, you help children feel understood and important.

Open Communication

Self-Advocacy

Teach children to ask for help. Show them how to say what they need. Practice simple phrases, like “I need a break” or “Can you help me?” Encourage students to use their voice, sign, or device.

Talking helps children feel brave and independent. When students know they can ask for help, they feel in charge of their learning.

Family Dialogue

Families know their children best. Talk with families often to build strong bonds. Share good news and ask for tips from home. Use notes, emails, or calls to match what families like.

• Talking helps teachers share how a child is doing, so everyone can help.
• Regular talks help build a strong support team for the child.
• Working together helps teachers make the classroom better for all.

When you and families work together, you help children feel supported at school and home.

When you focus on routines, notice each child’s needs, and keep talking, you help children do well in class. These steps build trust, lower stress, and make a space where every child can grow.

Assistive Tools

You can help students by using assistive tools. These tools help students learn and join in. They also help students feel more confident. You can use these tools every day in your classroom.

Compensatory Devices

Consult Specialists

Talk to specialists like occupational therapists. They know which devices help each student. Ask them to visit your classroom. They can show you how to use the tools. Working together helps you choose the best support for each child.

Trial Devices

Let students try different devices before you decide. Some may need a wheelchair ramp. Others might use a voice-activated computer. Some may need an electronic note taker.

You can also test large-print books or word prediction software. Try a telecommunication device too. When students try options, you find what helps most.

A review shows the right assistive devices help students learn. These tools support physical, social, language, and thinking skills. You help students feel included and ready to learn.

Technology

Speech-to-Text

Speech-to-text tools let students talk and see words on the screen. Programs like Dragon or MathTalk help students who have trouble writing.

Use these tools for writing, notes, or tests. Students with dyslexia or ADHD find it easier to share ideas this way.

• Text-to-speech software reads words out loud. This helps students focus and understand.
• Voice options and highlighting make learning more fun.
• Read&Write highlights words as they are read. This helps with tracking and understanding.

Visual Aids

Visual aids make lessons easier to follow. Use graphic organizers, diagrams, or color-coded charts. Some students need large-print books or screen readers.

Programs like KNFB Reader or GoTalk 9+ turn text into speech or pictures. These tools help students keep up and remember lessons.

• Graphic organizers help students plan and organize ideas.
• Visual supports make lessons easier for everyone.

Training

Demonstrations

Learn how to use assistive tools before helping students. Watch specialists show how to use devices. Go to workshops or find videos online. You can learn about alternative keyboards or audiobooks.

Ongoing Support

Keep learning about new tools. Take refresher courses or join teacher groups. Groups like CTD or ATIA have helpful guides. When you stay updated, you give students the best support.

Using assistive tools and learning more helps every child succeed. These steps make your classroom welcoming for all learners.

High Standards

Setting high standards helps all students do their best. This includes children with disabilities. When you believe in your students, they try harder.

If you expect their best, they may surprise you. Here are ways to help children with disabilities aim high. You can help them feel proud of what they do.

Growth Mindset

A growth mindset means anyone can improve with practice. You can teach this idea every day in class.

Encourage Effort

Praise students for working hard. Do not only praise right answers. Say things like, “You worked hard on this,” or “You kept trying even when it was hard.” When you praise effort, students learn mistakes help them grow.

Use phrases like “You have not mastered this yet, but you are getting closer!” This helps students see learning takes time.

Celebrate Progress

Notice small steps forward and celebrate them. You can keep a chart of new skills. Let students share their achievements with the class. When you show progress, students feel proud. They want to keep improving.

Positive Feedback

Positive feedback helps students feel good about their work. It builds confidence. You can use different feedback to support students.

Regular Updates

Give feedback often. Tell students what they do well. Tell them what they can improve. Try to give four positive comments for every one correction. This keeps the classroom happy. Students feel safe to try new things.

• A positive classroom helps children feel motivated.
• It helps children build a good self-image.
• Four positives for every negative makes feedback work better.

Quality Comments

Make feedback clear and specific. Do not just say “Good job.” Say, “I like how you used pictures to explain your answer,” or “You remembered to ask for help.” Use words and actions. Smiles, high-fives, or stickers help a lot.

Praise and encouragement help children feel confident. When you notice their effort, you teach them to feel proud. They will keep trying.

High standards and encouragement help every child grow. You set the mood for a classroom where all students can do well.

Educate Students

Promote Empathy

Share Stories

You can help students learn about disabilities by sharing real stories. Invite people with disabilities to talk about their lives.

Use books or videos that show children with different abilities. Sharing these stories helps students see everyone has strengths and challenges.

“When we feel noticed and heard, we connect more easily. Classrooms help students make connections. When these connections grow, students feel safe to learn and make mistakes.”
— Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C

Read a story together and ask how the character feels. Let students share their own stories or feelings. This helps everyone feel close and included.

Inclusive Activities

Plan activities so all students can join. Use group projects, art, or games for everyone. Mix groups so students work with new classmates. Ask students to help each other and celebrate teamwork.

• Teachers and service providers work together to support the classroom.
• Building good relationships with students and families helps empathy grow.
• A safe classroom helps students feel included and ready to learn.
• Social-emotional learning programs teach students how to care for others.

Here is a table showing the benefits of inclusive classrooms:

Address Questions

Safe Discussions

Students may have questions about disabilities. Make your classroom a safe place to talk. Tell students it is okay to ask questions. Answer honestly and use simple words. Never ignore a student’s curiosity.

1. Keep answers positive and easy to understand.
2. Show respect and lead by example.
3. Be ready for tough questions and answer calmly.
4. Talk about human diversity and neuro-diversity.

Let students know mistakes are part of learning. If someone uses the wrong word, help them learn the right one. Encourage students to listen and share their ideas.

Age-Appropriate Resources

Pick resources that fit your students’ age and understanding. Use books, videos, or websites made by people with disabilities.

Ask students how they want to be described. Use clear words like “blind” or “deaf” instead of confusing terms.

• Use respectful language and ask what students prefer.
• Encourage curiosity by reading materials from people with disabilities.
• Avoid words that sound condescending.
• Remind students that language can be hard, and learning takes time.

Create a resource corner in your classroom with books and posters about disabilities. Invite students to look around and ask questions. This helps everyone feel important and included.

Family and Teamwork

Working with families and specialists helps children do better. When everyone works together, children get more support. This teamwork makes a big difference for students with disabilities.

Partnerships

Meetings

Set up meetings with families and specialists often. These meetings help everyone know what is happening.

Keep meetings short and talk about important things. Use phone calls, emails, or video chats if families are busy. Ask families to share ideas and thoughts. This helps you learn about each child’s needs.

Share Progress

Share good news with families often. Start with something nice about the child’s day or week. Use notes, emails, or quick talks at pick-up time.

Sharing progress helps families feel included and important. Families can give tips from home that help in class.

Good communication helps families feel welcome. When you listen and share, you build trust and teamwork.

Support Plans

Align Strategies

Work with families and specialists to make support plans for each child. Share what works at school and ask what works at home. Try to use the same strategies in both places. This helps children feel safe and know what will happen.

• Set up ways to talk that use families’ favorite languages.
• Let families help plan their child’s learning.
• Teach families how to help learning at home.

Involve Specialists

Invite specialists, like speech or occupational therapists, to meetings. They can share ideas and tools for school and home. When everyone works together, children get the best help.

Family Engagement

Classroom Activities

Invite families to join classroom activities. Parents can read stories, help with art, or share family traditions. Let families lead or plan events. This helps children feel proud and builds community.

• Share good news about students.
• Welcome families to join easy activities.
• Include events that celebrate different cultures.

Home Resources

Give families simple ways to help at home. Suggest fun games or challenges for daily routines. For example:

1. Ask families to find words or letters on grocery store labels.
2. Challenge children to count red cars on the way to school.
3. Share a list of easy games for home practice.

Stay in touch with notes, calls, or emails. When you work together, you help children with disabilities feel supported at school and at home.

You can help all children do well by being kind and using easy steps.

• Inclusive classrooms help students learn, make friends, and feel good about themselves.
• Use group projects, helpful tools, and spaces everyone can use.
• Follow IEPs and Universal Design for Learning to support each student.
• Work closely with families and specialists to help students.

Always expect the best from your students. When your classroom feels friendly, every child gets a chance to do their best.

FAQ

How can you make your classroom more accessible for students with disabilities?

Move desks so students can walk easily. Put up visual schedules and clear labels. Make quiet spots for breaks. Give students fidgets or headphones. Ask students what helps them feel good. Small changes help a lot.

What should you do if you notice a student struggling with a task?

Talk to the student alone. Split the task into small steps. Give extra help or tools, like pictures or checklists. Tell the student to ask questions. Praise effort, not just right answers.

How do you handle questions from other students about disabilities?

Give honest and simple answers. Use words that fit their age. Remind students everyone learns in their own way. Tell students to be kind and curious. Read a story or give examples to explain.

What are some easy ways to support communication for nonverbal students?

Use picture cards, gestures, or special devices. Let students point or use thumbs-up or thumbs-down. Watch for body language. Give students time to answer. Ask families for tips that help at home.

How can you involve families in supporting their child’s learning?

Ask families to share ideas and join class events. Send home easy games or tips. Use notes, calls, or emails to talk. Ask what helps their child most. Celebrate progress together.

What should you do if a student feels overwhelmed or stressed?

Give a quiet space for breaks. Show what comes next with a visual schedule. Warn before changing activities. Let students use calming tools, like stress balls or headphones. Check in and listen to their needs.

How do you set high expectations without causing frustration?

Focus on effort and progress, not just perfect work. Set small goals students can reach. Give lots of praise. Celebrate every step forward. Remind students mistakes help them learn.

What are some simple assistive tools you can use in class?

Try pencil grips, large-print books, or graphic organizers. Use speech-to-text apps or timers. Give headphones for quiet time. Ask specialists for advice. Let students try tools to see what helps.