Study beyond the classroom offers rich learning opportunities and is
increasingly important to many areas of study. The participation of
students with a variety of learning preferences, life experience,
cultural backgrounds and disability can enhance the learning experience
of everyone.
With careful planning and monitoring, work placements and field and
study-abroad trips can be accessible to most students with disability.
Ensuring that students with disability benefit as much from these experiences as their peers can sometimes be challenging. Preparation is key: the fieldwork teacher should discuss with the student any learning support needs, and ensure that reasonable steps are taken to create a supportive, inclusive environment.
However, students should not be singled out for apparently "special" treatment. Academic standards must be maintained; it is therefore important that course requirements are made explicit from the outset. If the participation of students with disability in fieldwork activities is not practical, alternatives may be found, such as changing location, replacing fieldwork with laboratory exercises, or offering the option of virtual fieldwork.
Adapted from Learning and Teaching Good Practice Guide published by the DRC in partnership with Skill, Universities UK and others.