This week in class, we had Chantelle Morvay-Adams of BC EdAccess join our session. This was an incredibly valuable presentation and I felt like we learned a lot of important information about BC EdAccess as well as how to create an inclusive, accessible for all, classroom environment. Below is a video from https://bcedaccess.com/ which describes who they are and their initiative to create equitable learning opportunities for all students throughout BC classrooms:

I’m very grateful that Chantelle spoke with us and described the impactful work that occurs at BC EdAccess to advocate for equitable access to education for students with disabilities, and provide support for their families. Not only were we introduced to this incredible resource and organization, but it gave me the opportunity to reflect on my experience as a student, what I observed which may not have been supportive of all learners in the classrooms, and what I can do as a teacher to create an inclusive, comfortable learning environment which will best support all students in their educational journeys.

We discussed ways in which students are being excluded from class-activities and as a result losing valuable opportunities for learning when their teachers do not fully consider the needs of all students. For example, some students are being excluded from field trips and certain activities due to the absence of accessibility to support their participation. With this in mind, we discussed in small groups the actions and considerations that we should make as educators to ensure equitable access to learning and education for all. Some of the topics discussed by my group:

  1. Technology for accessibility: give access to technology which will support students during their learning and may be the difference between being able to participate in a classroom activity or not!
  2. My group discussed that technology for accessibility should be available as an option for all students to create an inclusive learning environment and break systemic barriers in the classroom. Not only will this provide students with another tool to support their learning/expose them to new technology to support learning in an alternative way, it will make everyone feel included and as though these technologies are not only for accessibility, but also awesome resources to support learning in general.