When teaching disability awareness, it is important that students understand both:
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The strengths of people with disabilities
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The barriers they may face in everyday life
One effective way to do this is through practical learning activities.
These activities help students experience situations that may be similar to those faced by people with disabilities.
The goal is not to pretend to have a disability, but to help students develop:
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empathy
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awareness
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better communication skills.
Activity Example 1
Guiding Someone with Visual Impairment
In this activity, students worked in pairs.
One student closed their eyes while the other guided them safely around the building.
For example:
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Walking along corridors
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Going up and down stairs.
The aim was to help students understand:
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the importance of clear instructions
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how to guide someone safely
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the importance of trust and communication.
Students also discussed situations where there might be:
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no lifts
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unfamiliar environments.
This helped them think about real-life accessibility challenges.
Activity Example 2
Teaching Accessible Instructions
Students were asked to teach someone how to make a paper aeroplane.
However, they had to consider that the learner might have:
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Dyspraxia
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learning difficulties
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coordination challenges.
This required them to:
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break instructions into small steps
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use simple language
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demonstrate visually.
For example:
Step 1 – Fold the paper in half
Step 2 – Open the paper again
Step 3 – Fold the corners to the middle.
This exercise helped students understand the importance of clear and accessible instructions, similar to the principles used in Easy Read communication.
Organizations such as Mencap often recommend breaking instructions into small, clear steps.
Activity Example 3
Understanding Trust and Personal Support
Students also took part in activities such as:
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feeding each other
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helping brush each other’s teeth.
These activities may seem simple, but they help students understand:
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the importance of trust
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respecting personal boundaries
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maintaining dignity when supporting others.
Many people with disabilities rely on personal assistance, and these exercises help students reflect on what that experience may feel like.
Reflecting on Strengths
After each activity, students discussed:
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what they found difficult
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what helped them succeed
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what skills they used.
The aim was to help students recognise that everyone has strengths, even when some tasks are challenging.
Reflection Questions for Students
Students were asked questions such as:
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How did the activity make you feel?
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What communication methods worked best?
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What challenges did you notice?
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What strengths did your partner show?
Reflection is an important part of learning.
Key Message for Educators
When teaching about disability, it is important to focus on both:
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barriers in society
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strengths and abilities of individuals
Activities like these help students move beyond stereotypes and develop a deeper understanding of inclusive practice.
Why This Teaching Method Works
Experiential learning helps students:
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remember information better
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understand real-world challenges
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develop empathy and respect.
It also encourages future professionals to think about accessibility in everyday practice.
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