Making the Child Care Facility Accessible and Compliant with the ADA
The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) offers protection from discrimination based on disabilities. As child care providers, all of our programs are required to be compliant with the ADA. There are many aspects to being ADA compliant that goes beyond just offering spaces to disabled students in our programs. ADA compliance in education requires that educators ensure all students have the opportunity to take part in and benefit from school programs and services. Programs must provide students with disabilities the same types of opportunities and experiences other students enjoy, making sure the quality of services and benefits provided is equal to those received by other students. Programs must emphasize classroom accessibility and provide the proper equipment to increase the student’s comfort and chances for success. Let’s take a deeper look at some requirements of the law to be ADA compliant.
The ADA requires that “reasonable accommodations” be made in the classroom for students with disabilities. When planning accessibility for our classrooms we should take into consideration the following:
- physical disabilities including genetic conditions
- chronic illnesses or other issues which impact mobility
- sensory impairments such as hearing and vision disturbances
- cognitive impairments including learning disabilities, ADHD, and other disorders
- emotional impairments which include major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress
Classroom accessibility involves design elements, teaching strategies, technological aids, and communications. Inclusive classrooms provide all students with equal opportunities and the tools they need to succeed. Making sure our programs and classroom are ADA compliant we must create accessible learning environments.
Vanderbilt University found the following five areas to focus on when creating these inclusive environments:
- The first area of focus is the physical learning spaces. The location in the building, layout, and various technologies offered accommodation to student mobility issues as well as for vision, hearing, and cognitive impairments must be considered.
- The second area of focus is course materials. All course materials should be available and able to be used by all students. Educators need to provide disabled students with auxiliary aids to learning and use of course materials.
- The third area of focus is communication with students. It is important to communicate your goals in being ADA compliant and creating an inclusive classroom. Be aware of students in your classroom with Individualized Education Programs (IEP). Approach each student and their families to ensure they are being provided with what they need. Use a variety of methods in communicating with both the student and their families. Take time to consider if classroom policies impact students with disabilities.
- The fourth area of focus is the class environment. Inclusive classrooms engage and encourage involvement from all students including those with disabilities. Aim at reducing social stigma and marginalization through interactive group activities. Conduct activities in a variety of formats to ensure students with disabilities are able to contribute.
- The fifth area of focus is out of class activities. Inclusive classrooms take into account the varied settings your students will be in. This includes the playground, school activities and celebrations, and field trips.
To ensure ADA compliance, make sure students with disabilities have what they need in all situations. Creating an ADA compliant program is not difficult and will benefit everyone in your program.
For the main article Americans with Disabilities Act, CLICK HERE
For the article How Does the ADA Apply to a Child Care Provider?, CLICK HERE
For the article Promoting and Providing Inclusive Child Care, CLICK HERE
For the article Approaching and Working with Families Whose Children Have Disabilities, CLICK HERE