Reasonable adjustments are changes that organisations and people providing services must make if someone’s physical or mental disability puts them at a disadvantage compared with others who aren’t disabled.
It means schools, and other places of education, have a legal obligation under the Equality Act to support pupils who are disabled, or have special needs, with reasonable adjustments, making sure they can benefit from what the school offers.
The process of requesting reasonable adjustments becomes particularly complex when the school or classroom is new and unfamiliar to the student. The lack of familiarity with a location can make it challenging to anticipate specific needs. Students and parents alike may not be aware of potential obstacles or barriers that could impede their mobility or access.
Familiarisation videos have emerged as a powerful tool in navigating unfamiliar spaces. These videos not only provide a visual guide to a location but also serve as a valuable resource when requesting reasonable adjustments.
Different students have different learning needs and these virtual tours provide individuals with a first-hand look at the physical layout, amenities, and potential challenges. At the same time schools have the opportunity to showcase various learning environments- highlighting classrooms equipped with assistive technology, flexible seating arrangements, and quiet spaces.
Familiarisation Videos are a communication tool that facilitates dialogue between students, parents, educators, and administrators, offering a shared visual understanding of the school's accessibility features and support services.
While the difficulties of requesting reasonable adjustments in unfamiliar locations are real, proactively using tools like Familiarisation Videos can pave the way for a more accessible and inclusive experience. By advocating for the students' needs and engaging with the school or place of education in advance, individuals can help break down barriers and contribute to a more universally accessible environment for everyone.
Through shared responsibility and a commitment to inclusivity, we can work towards creating spaces that welcome and accommodate everyone, regardless of their level of familiarity with the location.