Using Your Senses to Adapt Environments - Checklist for an Accessible Environment

Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/using-your-senses-to-adapt-environments-checklist-for-an-accessible-environment/5011450/

Evaluating and Adapting the Environment

When we design an appropriate environment for children with diverse abilities and needs, two ground rules should apply:

_ The environment needs to be safe for all children. Special accommodations will be needed to make it accessible and safe for some children.
_ The environment impacts all children's abilities to participate, learn, and communicate. Special adaptations may be needed to help some children participate, learn, and communicate.

Since children use their bodies and their senses to explore, learn, and play, and since special needs often relate to differences in how children use their bodies or their senses, using our senses to evaluate the environment can help us organize, capitalize on, and adapt for diverse abilities and needs.

Physical Environment

Questions to think about:
_ How do different children use their bodies or the space around them for learning?
_ How can we enhance or adapt the physical environment for children who have difficulty moving (or who move too much)?
_ How can we capitalize on the physical environment for children who learn by moving?

Accessing the environment safely:
- Are doorway widths in compliance with local building codes?
- Ramps in addition to or instead of stairs?
- Low, wide stairs where possible (including playground equipment)?
- Hand rails on both sides ...