Creating an Accessible Classroom for All Special Education Students

Setting up your classroom to meet the needs of all learners can be so overwhelming! I am going to share my favorite classroom items that I’ve used to make my environment more accessible with the furniture for all students to learn!

Classroom Dividers

My favorite tool in my classroom are my classroom dividers. I have multiple divider walls on wheels in my classroom that help designate spaces in the classroom. These dividers also help with the visual clutter of the classroom.

I have used dividers to help eliminate the noise in my room or the chaos on another side of the room. These are perfect for students with behaviors to maintain the dignity of the student going through a tough time.

Classroom dividers have truly helped make my classroom more accessible for all students! My district bought the dividers from ScreenFlex. They are very expensive, but look into grants to purchase. They also are on wheels which make movement super easy!

Accessible Classroom Seating

Classroom seating can help make your classroom more accessible for all types of students. In the image below you can see various types of seating that I’ve used to increase focus, engagement and productivity for my students!

1. Spider Chair – bungee type chair
2. Wedge Seat – firm cushion where student can rock side to side
3. Sit/Stand Wobble Stool – optional sit or stand with some sway on the floor
4. Accordion Chair – firm bounce up and down
5. Ball Chair – loose bounce up and down and movement on wheels

Visual Boundaries

My favorite way to maintain our space and make the classroom more accessible is to put tape around each designated area like student desks (see below). I also color code areas like RED for teacher designated areas where students should not cross. Green or Blue designate student areas that they are allowed to go to.

Quiet Areas

In the chaos of the day, make sure that you have designated areas for students to calm or self-regulate. This allows students to access their environment and use coping strategies if the busy classroom becomes too much.

By allowing a quiet area in the classroom, you’re providing a safe space for students to feel welcome and safe.

Hooks

Most of my students can use the school lockers, but some students need some more support. Make your classroom accessible by adding Command Hooks and visuals on a wall for students to put their materials.

Also make sure to adjust the height so that it is reachable and accessible for your students to put their items on the hooks!

For more insights on how to make an accessible classroom, make sure to check out my Instagram page for more images and videos!

For more ways to make your students feel welcome in your classroom, read this post!

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