Inclusive teaching responds to a diversity of learning styles and needs. Its purpose is not to change content or lower standards, but to anticipate difference in the classroom and give all students the best possible opportunity to learn. Inclusive teaching also saves you time and money by minimising the need for one-on-one support and specialised services while ensuring that you comply with disability related legislation.
Although students are not generally required to disclose a disability, you are expected to take reasonable steps to identify any support needs. Always being mindful of a students privacy. Once the implications of the student's disability have been clarified you can discuss any adjustments to the course design or delivery that maybe required.
You should not lower academic standards of the course in order to accommodate the needs of any student but you may need to be flexible in relation to the way in which the program is delivered or assessed.
Course Design & Delivery
Balancing equity and academic rigour requires curricula to be inclusively designed. Core course requirements and assessment criteria must be clearly stated, so that modifications can be made without affecting academic standards. Inclusive course design anticipates a diversity of learning styles and abilities without lowering academic standards.
All students, including those with disability, benefit from curricula designed to be as accessible as possible, so that only minimal adjustments need to be made. There are some basic, practical steps you can take to remove barriers to full participation and ensure that all students enjoy a positive and productive learning experience.
Assessment & Exams
Academic standards are fixed - but how they are met doesn't have to be.Sometimes, giving students equal opportunity to demonstrate skill and knowledge calls for adjustment to standard assessment practice.
It is usually possible to make adjustments for students with disability to undertake the same assessment tasks as other students. In some cases it may be appropriate to offer alternative assessment methods to prevent a student being disadvantaged and to ensure academic rigour is maintained.
Talk to the student about how best to meet their needs.