MORE WAYS INTO LEARNING

Start with the barrier. Not an assumption.

A label can be part of someone’s story. The actual task, environment, preferences and student’s own experience matter too.

Describe what is happening

  • Name the activity and setting, not just the diagnosis.
  • Record what the student says makes participation easier or harder.
  • Keep observation separate from interpretation: “asked for a written direction” is different from guessing why.

Explore a preference

  • Discuss response formats, communication, access technology, timing and the physical environment.
  • Ask the student which option they want to try with their educational team.
  • Record the agreed choice without describing it as a guaranteed intervention.

Return to evidence

  • Check a source’s grade range, audience and setting before applying it.
  • A general framework is not the same as a tested disability-specific intervention.
  • When the source does not fit, keep the gap visible and ask an appropriately qualified educator.

Tools for this conversation