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Every student deserves to feel like they belong. For kids with disabilities, that means more than just being in the room—it means feeling welcome, supported, and able to take part in everything happening. And honestly, the little things teacher do that can make a huge difference.

Here are some ideas for making your classroom more inclusive:

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- Start With Belonging

Inclusion starts with us. Kids with disabilities aren’t “extra work”—they’re full members of the class community. When we see them as capable, valued learners, the whole classroom culture shifts.

A simple step? Use person-first language (“a student with autism” instead of “an autistic student”) and set the tone that differences are normal and celebrated.

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- Keep Learning Flexible

Not every kid learns the same way, and that’s okay. The more options we give, the easier it is for everyone to join in.

• Let students choose how to show what they know—maybe through writing, drawing, talking, or building something.

• Pair directions with visuals, checklists, or examples.

• Break big assignments into smaller steps so students don’t feel overwhelmed.

- Use Tools That Help

Tech doesn’t have to be fancy to make a difference. Audiobooks, text-to-speech, captions on videos, or even a simple graphic organiser can help students access learning in a way that works for them.

• Pro tip: ask families what tools their child already uses at home—you might find something easy to bring into the classroom.

- Build Peer Support

Classmates can be great help when we give them the chance.

• Pair students as buddies for activities.

• Rotate classroom jobs so everyone gets a role.

• Celebrate teamwork, not just individual wins.

These little things help students see each other as partners, not just “helpers.”

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-Team Up With Specialists

You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Special ed teachers, therapists, and counsellors have strategies that can make your life easier—and your students’ lives better. Don’t be afraid to ask them to brainstorm with you.

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- Make the Room Work for Everyone

Sometimes the physical space itself can make or break inclusion. Ask yourself:

• Can students move around easily?

• Is there a quiet corner for kids who need a break?

• Could flexible seating or noise-cancelling headphones make things smoother?

Small changes can have a big impact.

- Get Creative for Students in Wheelchairs

Kids who use wheelchairs should be able to dive into class activities just like everyone else. A few tweaks can make it happen:

• Arrange desks and supplies so there’s plenty of space to move.

• Adapt activities—put experiments at table height, or use tools that make reaching easier.

• For PE or recess, try inclusive games like seated basketball, yoga, or team relays where everyone can participate.

• Plan ahead: before starting an activity, ask yourself, “How can I make sure every student can join in?”

When students in wheelchairs can take part naturally, it sends the message: you belong here, too.

- Focus on Strengths

It’s easy to zero in on what kids can’t do, but their strengths are where the magic happens. Maybe one student struggles with reading aloud but is amazing at art or problem-solving—make space for them to shine!

- The more we highlight strengths, the more motivated students are to push through challenges.

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Inclusion isn’t about a checklist—it’s about creating a classroom where every student feels like they matter. The best thing is that most strategies that help students with disabilities end up helping all of our students, as they can learn new life skills that they can carry home with them and take into the world!

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