This is a post that reflects something I think about all the time in my classroom. I have been grateful to learn about this in disabled community, from disability justice activists, and from youth I’ve worked alongside. Everyone has needs. Some needs are met by dominant society (I can’t just jump through my front door, I need steps. I can’t read in the dark, I need lamps. Etc.] Disabled students often have needs that aren’t met by dominant society. This is because dominant society was built for and by primarily able bodied, neurotypical people due to the systemic exclusion and institutionalization of disabled and neurodivergent people and the prioritization of economic growth over community care.

We are not obligated to accept that as teachers. In my classroom all students have access to noise canceling headphones and earplugs. The tables are set up for easy navigation with mobility aids. Students can choose what type of seat they need. Eye contact isn’t assumed to be synonymous with attention. Verbal communication doesn’t take priority over AAC or written communication. These are small ways I disrupt the idea that some needs are special or additional.

All students have needs, and because I see teaching as community driven labour, I believe the needs of the entire community deserve to be met. Meeting these needs isn’t additional or special. It is essential.

[ID: a graphic of three people holding flags. The two people on the outside stand, the person in the middle is in a manual wheelchair. Above the picture in large letters it reads All Students Have Needs. Below that in smaller letters it reads Some needs are just already being met. Below the picture reads in even smaller letters Disabled students do not have “special” or “additional” needs]