Step 1: Create a Plan for Adapting Materials
Adapting materials is just one part of an overall plan for students with disabilities; to be effective, the adaptations will require sustained development and support. Decisions must be made within the framework of a larger plan that includes consideration of basic and strategic skills instruction and the roles of those involved in the adaptation process. In planning for materials adaptations, it is important to do the following:
- Involve your administrator and curriculum or program coordinator from the beginning of the plan.
- Identify exactly who will be responsible for making, implementing, supporting, and evaluating the adaptation over the course of the year. Remember, adaptations that can benefit an entire class or several classes are more likely to be supported and maintained.
- Enlist local business people and parents to assist and support you.
- As much as possible, involve students, clerical staff, counselors, administrators, librarians, volunteers, and paraprofessionals. Everyone plays an important part in making adaptations work in a school.
- Use workshops and other means of dissemination to inform administrators, other teachers, and parents about the different types of adaptations and collaborative models that support students.
The questions in Figure 1 can provide guidance in developing a plan to implement adaptations in your school.
More on Adapting L.A., S.S., and Science Materials for the Inclusive Classroom.
Provided in partnership with The Council for Exceptional Children.
