Disability Inclusion at Concord School

Disability Inclusion is about making sure students have the right supports and adjustments to help them participate, learn and feel successful at school. This can include using sensory strategies throughout the school day to help students get the right amount and type of sensory input their bodies need. Sensory input is the information our bodies receive through our senses, including touch, movement, balance and the muscles and joints in our body. Some students may need extra movement or physical activities during the day to help their bodies feel calm, organised and ready to learn.  Our school Occupational Therapists work with our staff to identify and implement the strategies that work best for each student. These strategies are built into our classroom routines, transitions, play and learning activities.

One example is heavy lifting. Activities such as lifting a kettle bell or helping to move classroom books provide strong sensory input through the muscles and joints. This type of input can help some people feel more regulated and aware of their bodies. When students are feeling more settled and organised, they can find it easier to concentrate, follow instructions, manage their emotions and engage in learning. Providing the right sensory input at the right time can help students feel ready to learn, so they can spend more time engaging in classroom activities.

The pictures above show some students in UPF using this heavy lifting strategy to support them to be ready to learn.

Rachael Macmillan

Disability Inclusion Leader