As both a student who grew up with a disability and now an educator, I’ve had the unique opportunity to see education from both sides of the classroom. Throughout my school years, I had teachers who inspired me, challenged me, and believed in me. I also encountered teachers who unintentionally limited my potential because they focused more on my disability than my abilities.
Here are five things I wish every teacher knew about students with disabilities.
1. We don’t want to be treated differently.
Students with disabilities want to belong just like everyone else. We want to be included in classroom discussions, projects, activities, and expectations. Some of my greatest growth came from teachers who expected me to work hard and held me to the same standards as my classmates. High expectations communicate confidence. Low expectations communicate doubt.
2. Understand our disability—but don’t let it define us.
Every disability is different, and every student has unique strengths and challenges. Learn what accommodations are needed, but don’t make the disability the center of every interaction.
Accommodations should make learning accessible, not easier. For example, when I took algebra, my teacher reduced my assignment from 20 problems to 5 because I had to verbally dictate every answer. The goal wasn’t to lower expectations—it was to remove an unnecessary barrier while still allowing me to demonstrate that I understood the material.
3. Don’t automatically put us in the front of the room.
Many teachers assume students with disabilities should always sit in the front row. Sometimes that’s appropriate, but not always. Be flexible and creative. Consider where the student learns best, where they can interact with classmates, and how they can participate naturally. Just like every other student, we appreciate variety and the opportunity to be part of the classroom community.
4. Call on us.
I’ll admit it—I didn’t always enjoy being called on because I have a speech impairment. Speaking in front of my classmates could be intimidating.
Looking back, I’m grateful my teachers still gave me opportunities to answer questions. They helped me build confidence, practice public speaking, and learn to communicate in situations I would face throughout my life. Sometimes the greatest gift a teacher can give is the confidence to use your voice.
5. Don’t pity us. Be fair.
Students with disabilities don’t need pity—we need fairness.
If we make a poor choice, hold us accountable. If we break a rule, give us an appropriate consequence. If we succeed, celebrate our accomplishments because we earned them.
Justice means treating students with disabilities as responsible individuals who are capable of learning, growing, making mistakes, and becoming better people. Accountability is not unkind—it is one of the greatest forms of respect a teacher can show.
Final Thoughts
The best teachers I ever had didn’t see a wheelchair first. They saw a student with potential.
As educators, we have the opportunity to create classrooms where every student feels valued, challenged, and included. When we combine high expectations with compassion and appropriate support, students with disabilities don’t just succeed—they thrive.
Never underestimate what a student can accomplish simply because they learn differently. Sometimes all they need is a teacher who believes in them before they believe in themselves.
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