Practical Activities and difficulties with Speech
Remember, disability is a highly individualised experience. People with the same disability may have very different capabilities and/or needs, so it is always best to discuss any adaptations to practice, the environment or equipment directly with the disabled person themselves rather than making assumptions about what adjustments may be suitable.
People with speech difficulties may include those with dyslexia, those with hearing impairments who use British Sign Language (BSL) as their first language, overseas students with English as their second language. The strategies used to overcome the speech difficulties will depend on the individual needs of the learner.
Difficulties associated specifically with motor/manual dexterity difficulties are unlikely to have a significant impact on practicals unless there is a particular need to communicate with others.
It is essential that the teacher works with the disabled learner to identify their preferred method for communicating; this may be as simple as asking others in the group to wait patiently for the person with the speech impediment to make themselves understood, or it may be that they prefer to use a note book and pen, for example.
