How do I make sure my child’s school campus is accessible for them?

Orientation and mobility therapist Kristin Zottoli says she likes thinking from big (outdoor spaces) to small (bathroom stalls). To make sure a student can access everything they need, break down the activities of daily living in a sequential way. From washing their hands to getting their snack bag out of their locker or cubby, is each element accessible, and if not, how will the school make the necessary adaptations?

An orientation mobility specialist could work on safe navigation skills in the school building and in the environment. They could help teach your child about proprioception and the body, orienting them themselves in space, and all the different ways that we move our body through space. They could also help your child understand mobility issues and all the different strategies for safe navigation.

For an easy-to-follow list of all the aspects of school you should look at on a campus tour, see our Campus Orientation Checklist.