Disability Inclusion in Education: Building Systems of Support from Coursera

Worldwide millions of children are not able to fully participate in schooling, and this is especially a problem for children with disabilities. In this course, we explore the support that teachers need in order to meet the needs of children with severe to profound hearing, visual and intellectual disabilities. We consider how this can be done by talking with a range of experts - from teachers to activists - about inclusive education as well as sharing experiences of education.

Inclusive education is only possible if teachers are supported and empowered to make the curriculum accessible to all learners. The topics in this course cover developing disability confidence and what exactly children with specific impairments need to be able to learn. This includes sharing specific classroom strategies and teaching activities for learners who are D/deaf or hard of hearing, blind or have low vision or have a severe to profound intellectual disability. By the end of the course, you will be familiar with the impairment specific needs of learners with disabilities, and how to build systems of support for inclusive education.

You will be able to purchase a Verified Certificate if you wish to show evidence of your achievements, but this is optional, and you may apply for Financial Aid if you are unable to pay the certificate fee.

This course was developed as part of the project ´Strengthening teaching for Children with profound Hearing, Visual and Intellectual Disabilities in South Africa` co-funded by Christoffel-Blinden Mission (CBM) and the European Union.

What's inside

Syllabus

Inclusive education and special education: Equality and equity

This week, we consider what disability inclusion means by exploring different models of disability as well as disability rights and policies. Drawing from the history of special and inclusive education we look at how mainstream schools can move towards becoming inclusive schools and how special education can fit into an inclusive education framework. At the end of this week, there is a graded quiz, where you can check your understanding of the key concepts. Every week, you are invited to reflect on the topics in the discussions where you can talk with others about what this means for your practice as an educator.

Supporting disability inclusion

This week focuses on teacher empowerment and what teachers need to know to better support learners with disabilities. We begin by sharing with you what the Teacher Empowerment for Disability Inclusion (TEDI) project's research findings revealed about teachers’ educational needs. This week we hear powerful personal testimonies of individuals living with disabilities about their schooling which highlights the importance of the empowered teacher in their lives when they were learners. At the end of this week, there is a graded peer review and opportunity for reflection through discussion.

Systemic support for educators

This week focuses on the systemic support structures that are available to teachers and educators in order to support learners with impairments. A former teacher and two district officers share their experiences of support structures and the roles they had to shape and implement policies within the spaces they found themselves in. We will also explore some insights from the TEDI research project on how teachers feel they are supported. At the end of the week, there is a graded quiz and optional Honours Peer Review assignment where you can explore these topics further.

Principles and approaches for disability inclusion

This week discusses how to make the curriculum accessible for all - particularly focusing on those with severe to profound disabilities. This includes understanding some of the causes of specific impairments (hearing, visual and intellectual) and their impacts on learning. We also have the pleasure of learning from experts who outline which principles and approaches can be adopted to best support learners with these specific impairments. At the end of the week, there is a graded quiz where you can test your knowledge of what you have learnt, and through a discussion reflect on your own teaching practices.

Inclusive teaching

In this week, the concept of universal design for learning is introduced as a way of approaching teaching and learning to tackle any problems of exclusion from education. Building on the lectures from last week, this week, experienced teachers describe in some detail what teaching strategies they use in their classrooms to include and support learners with specific impairments. Finally, in the peer review assignment you will be given the chance to create your own plan to support a learner, using the universal design principles.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores what inclusive education means drawing on disability rights and policies

Shares powerful personal experiences of individuals with disabilities who were supported by empowered teachers

Provides insights into systemic support structures available to educators

Discusses how to make the curriculum accessible for all, especially those with severe to profound disabilities

Introduces universal design for learning as an approach to teaching and learning

Teaches about the causes and impacts of specific impairments (hearing, visual, and intellectual disabilities) on learning

Reviews summary

Well-received disability inclusion course

Students say this course offers up-to-date information and practical strategies for creating an inclusive learning environment. It covers different disabilities and provides supports for educators and other stakeholders. Many learners found it eye-opening and noted that it increased their confidence in working with students with disabilities.

Many students found the course to be transformative and challenging in a positive way.

"It was an absolute eye-opening course! I learned so much from it."

"As a teacher I feel that this course truly challenged me to see the classroom from the learners' perspective."

Educators appreciate the practical information and resources provided.

"I enjoyed my learning times all through. The content is so rich in empowering educators and all players in the field of disability."

"This course was truly comprehensive in providing the knowledge required by teachers, school administrators and anyone else involved in the educational sector to begin taking steps towards disability inclusion."

Students found the information in this course to be clear and relevant to their needs.

"In this course I have learnt too many ways of conducting a classroom not just classroom with disability inclusion but even with normal school most of what I learnt in this course work as well."

"This course was so well developed with clear objectives and outcomes."

The course primarily focuses on South African policies and practices, which may not be applicable to all learners.

"A good preview of creating systems of support in regards to Special Education but limited in scope due to everything relating back specifically to South Africa."

Some students note that the course could offer more practical support through tools and resources.

"Great thesis on WHY inclusion is important but not much practical support through tools and resources helpful in the classroom."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Disability Inclusion in Education: Building Systems of Support with these activities:

Review "Inclusive Education: Practice and Policy" by Thomas Hehir

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You will be introduced to the values and theories of inclusive education and equity in education.

View New Directions in Special Education on Amazon

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Read the introduction and first two chapters.
Identify three key concepts related to inclusive education.
Summarize the main arguments presented in each chapter.

Explore the UNESCO website on inclusive education

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You will be provided with a comprehensive overview of UNESCO's initiatives and resources on inclusive education.

Browse courses on UNESCO

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Read through the "Inclusive Education" section on the UNESCO website.
Explore the different resources available. For example, you can view webinars with guest speakers, read inclusive education guidelines, and access other resources.
Take notes on the key points and ideas that you find most valuable.

Organize a study group with classmates

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You will have the opportunity to discuss the course material with your peers, ask questions, and share your insights.

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Find a group of classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
Decide how often you will meet and for how long.
Choose a meeting space.
Establish ground rules for your group.
Start meeting and discussing the course material.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Complete the exercises on the Coursera discussion board

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You will get regular practice applying the concepts you learn in the course and receive feedback from your peers.

Browse courses on Online Discussion

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Access the Coursera discussion board for the course.
Find the exercises or discussion questions posted by the instructors.
Complete the exercises or answer the discussion questions to the best of your ability.
Read the responses of your peers.
Provide feedback to your peers.

Connect with professionals who work in the field of inclusive education

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You will benefit from the guidance and support of experienced professionals who can share their insights and expertise.

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Attend conferences and workshops on inclusive education.
Join online communities and discussion forums for educators.
Reach out to professionals in your field and ask if they would be willing to mentor you.
Build and maintain relationships with your mentors.
Reflect on your experiences and share them with the course community.

Develop a lesson plan for inclusive teaching

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You will put your knowledge of inclusive education into practice by designing a lesson plan that meets the needs of all learners.

Browse courses on Lesson Planning

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Choose a topic that you are familiar with.
Decide on the learning objectives for your lesson.
Consider the different learning styles and needs of your students.
Develop a variety of activities and materials that will engage all learners.
Create a lesson plan that outlines the sequence of activities and materials you will use.

Volunteer at a local organization that works with children with disabilities

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You will gain practical experience working with children with disabilities and learn from professionals in the field.

Browse courses on Volunteering

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Research local organizations that work with children with disabilities.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend a volunteer training session.
Start volunteering at the organization.
Reflect on your experiences and share them with the course community.

Career center

Learners who complete Disability Inclusion in Education: Building Systems of Support will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Teacher Assistant

Teacher Assistants serve under the direction of a teacher to deliver relevant academic or non-academic activities to students. They provide differentiated instruction to meet the students' diverse learning needs as directed by the curriculum. This course discusses different models of disability, disability rights, and policies, which will help Teacher Assistants understand the needs of students with intellectual disability, as well as strategies to address those needs. Fit score: 85

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher Assistant

Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teachers provide specialized instruction to students with disabilities. This course will provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to support students with severe to profound hearing, visual, and intellectual disabilities. They will learn about different models of disability inclusion, as well as strategies for developing curriculum and instruction that meets the needs of all learners. Fit score: 85

See salaries and explore the career path for Special Education Teacher

Assistive Technology Specialist

Assistive Technology Specialists help people with disabilities use technology to improve their functional abilities. They assess needs, recommend and provide assistive technology devices and services, and train users on how to use them effectively. This course will help Assistive Technology Specialists to understand the needs of students with severe to profound disabilities and recommend appropriate assistive technology to support their learning. Fit score: 80

See salaries and explore the career path for Assistive Technology Specialist

Early Childhood Educator

Early Childhood Educators are responsible for the early education and care of children during their most formative years. As such, they must be equipped to support the needs of children with disabilities. This course will give them the opportunity to learn about disability inclusion and support systems, as well as the specific needs of children with hearing, visual, and intellectual disabilities. Fit score: 80

See salaries and explore the career path for Early Childhood Educator

Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers design, develop, and evaluate curriculum for educational institutions. They must be able to create inclusive curriculum that meets the needs of all learners, including students with disabilities. This course will help Curriculum Developers to understand the needs of students with severe to profound disabilities and develop strategies for creating accessible and engaging learning materials. Fit score: 75

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Educational Psychologist

Educational Psychologists work with children and adolescents who have learning and behavioral challenges. They assess students, develop and implement individualized education plans, and provide counseling and support. This course will help Educational Psychologists to understand the needs of students with severe to profound disabilities and develop strategies to support them in the classroom. Fit score: 75

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Psychologist

School Counselor

School Counselors provide counseling and support to students, families, and staff. They must be able to work with students with disabilities and their families to develop strategies for success in school and life. This course will help School Counselors to understand the needs of students with severe to profound disabilities and develop strategies for providing effective support. Fit score: 75

See salaries and explore the career path for School Counselor

Education Administrator

Education Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of educational institutions. They must be able to create and maintain inclusive schools that meet the needs of all learners, including students with disabilities. This course will help Education Administrators to understand the needs of students with severe to profound disabilities and develop strategies for creating a supportive learning environment for all students. Fit score: 75

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Administrator

Disability Advocate

Disability Advocates work to protect the rights of people with disabilities. They may work in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private law firms. This course will help Disability Advocates to understand the needs of people with severe to profound disabilities and develop strategies for advocating for their rights. Fit score: 75

See salaries and explore the career path for Disability Advocate

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers create and develop educational materials and programs. They must be able to design instruction that is accessible to all learners, including students with disabilities. This course will provide Instructional Designers with the knowledge and skills they need to create inclusive learning experiences for students with severe to profound disabilities. Fit score: 75

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologists assess and treat speech, language, and communication disorders. They often work with people with disabilities to develop strategies for communicating effectively. This course will help Speech-Language Pathologists to understand the needs of people with severe to profound disabilities and develop strategies for providing effective support. Fit score: 70

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist

Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists help people to participate in activities they need or want to do. They often work with people with disabilities to develop strategies for overcoming challenges and achieving their goals. This course will help Occupational Therapists to understand the needs of people with severe to profound disabilities and develop strategies for providing effective support. Fit score: 70

See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist

Social Worker

Social Workers help people to navigate social and economic challenges. They often work with people with disabilities and their families to provide support and services. This course will help Social Workers to understand the needs of people with severe to profound disabilities and develop strategies for providing effective support. Fit score: 70

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists help people to restore movement and function. They often work with people with disabilities to develop strategies for overcoming physical challenges and achieving their goals. This course will help Physical Therapists to understand the needs of people with severe to profound disabilities and develop strategies for providing effective support. Fit score: 70

See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Therapist

Education Policy Analyst

Education Policy Analysts research, analyze, and evaluate education policies and programs. They make recommendations to policymakers and legislators on how to improve the education system. This course will help Education Policy Analysts to understand the needs of students with severe to profound disabilities and advocate for policies that support their inclusion in the education system. Fit score: 70

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Policy Analyst