How to improve accessibility for disabled students in schools
Creating an inclusive educational environment is a fundamental responsibility of every school. For students with disabilities, accessibility in schools isn’t simply a nice-to-have; it’s essential to ensure equal access to learning, social engagement, and personal development. Despite progress, many institutions still fall short in meeting the everyday needs of children with physical or non-visible disabilities.
According to the Disabled Living Foundation, there are around 800,000 disabled children under 16 in the UK. That’s almost 1 in 20 children. Disabilities affecting children include physical disabilities, social and behavioural impairments, and learning disabilities – all of which require additional learning support and accessibility. Mencap have reported that the majority of children with disabilities and special educational needs attend mainstream schools, where accessibility isn’t always a priority for students who need it.
Whether it’s a private school, grammar, state-funded academy, or SEN school, there are steps all educational facilities can take to better support students with disabilities.
Understanding accessibility in schools for disabilities
When discussing accessibility in schools for disabilities, it’s important to look beyond basic compliance. Accessibility must be embedded in the school’s culture, infrastructure, and policies. For students who use wheelchairs, for example, inclusion involves more than just ramps; it requires thoughtful consideration of classroom layouts, access routes, and support services.
Many parents find themselves asking – how do schools accommodate students in wheelchairs? The answer lies in a combination of accessible design, staff training, and personalised support. A truly inclusive school environment considers every aspect of a student’s journey, from entering the building in the morning to engaging fully in lessons, activities, and social life.
Supporting a child who uses a wheelchair at school
Supporting a child who uses a wheelchair at school requires a whole-school approach. From the moment a child enters the school gates, their experience should be as seamless as their peers’. This starts with step-free access to buildings and continues with corridors wide enough for safe passage and classrooms designed to be fully accessible.
A wheelchair accessible classroom allows all students to participate equally. That means having adjustable desks, open spaces to manoeuvre easily, and ensuring that resources, whether on whiteboards or shelves, are within reach. Schools should also provide appropriate storage and charging points for electric wheelchairs, offering both practicality and dignity for the students who use them.
One of the most significant investments a school can make is the installation of elevators in schools, particularly in multi-storey buildings. Without this provision, students who use wheelchairs may find themselves excluded from activities or classrooms simply due to physical inaccessibility. Lifts provide more than just convenience, they represent an essential step towards inclusive education.
Beyond physical disabilities
Accessibility isn’t just about mobility. Many students have visual impairments, auditory processing issues, or neurodiverse conditions that make traditional learning environments challenging. A truly accessible school provides for these learners as well. Adjustments such as tactile or high-contrast signage, audio support, alternative assessment methods, and sensory-friendly spaces are just as critical as physical modifications.
Schools that cater to a wider range of needs often go further, offering on-site therapy rooms, sensory areas, or even hydrotherapy pools. These facilities can transform the school experience for students with more complex needs, offering both physical rehabilitation and emotional well-being.
Improving accessibility for disabled students at every level
Knowing how to improve accessibility for disabled learners means identifying the specific barriers they face and making meaningful, consistent changes. For some schools, this might involve redesigning the physical space, while for others, it could mean adopting new teaching methods or introducing assistive technologies.
Secondary schools and disabled access colleges must also be proactive. Older students face increased independence and responsibility, so accessibility must evolve alongside their academic and personal development. Lecture theatres, libraries, restrooms, and accommodation should all be adapted to support diverse needs without drawing attention or causing discomfort.
Moving forward: creating truly accessible schools
To create genuinely accessible schools, leadership teams must work alongside students, parents, and specialists. Accessibility audits can help identify areas for improvement, while regular consultation with disabled students ensures that schools are responding to real needs rather than making assumptions.
Inclusion doesn’t end with physical access, it’s about ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, can participate fully and confidently in school life. Whether it’s through wheelchair accessible classrooms, the thoughtful use of elevators in schools, or better understanding how schools accommodate students in wheelchairs, a more inclusive educational system benefits everyone.
Embracing accessible school equipment
For schools to truly improve accessibility for disabled students, they need to consider investing in the right equipment to support their needs:
Install Changing Places
UK regulations state that:
“Each toilet for disabled pupils needs to contain one toilet and one washbasin (and possibly a shower or other washdown fitting) and have a door opening directly onto a circulation space that is not a staircase, which can be secured from the inside. Where possible, the number and location of accessible toilets will be sufficient to ensure a reasonable travel distance for users that does not involve changing floor levels.”
However, disabled-access toilets simply do not meet the needs of many disabled students. They’re often too small with no changing facilities, and have no specialist equipment for high-dependency students.
Changing Places are a much better choice for SEN schools. A changing place must be at least 3m wide, 4m long and 2.4m high. This gives enough room for the user and up to two carers to comfortably use the space.
To comply with Changing Places regulations, they must also include all the following equipment:
- Ceiling track hoist
- Changing bench
- Peninsular toilet
- Adjustable sink
To enquire about installing a Changing Place, get in touch.
Incorporate hoist systems
If you have pupils who require hoisted transfers, then ceiling track hoist systems throughout the school are a must.
We offer flexible systems that can be custom-designed to suit any room layout. Innovative track components like gates and turntables let you connect systems in different rooms, and allow students and staff to move around with ease and dignity.
Learn more about all the ceiling track hoist options.
Install a hydrotherapy pool
Hydrotherapy pools are becoming a standard fixture in SEN schools. This is due to the therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy.
We always recommend stainless steel hydrotherapy pools for use in schools. They are cheaper to install and maintain than tiled pools. Plus, they provide much better infection control, which is ideal for schools where multiple children will be using the same pool.
To provide additional sensory stimulation, you can add features like water jets and colour-changing LED lights.
For more information on designing hydrotherapy pools for SEN school, read this guide.
Summary
Accessibility is not a one-time upgrade, it’s an ongoing commitment. Every student deserves the opportunity to thrive in an environment that supports their needs. By improving accessibility in schools for disabilities, we build a more equitable and compassionate education system for the future.
FAQs
How do schools accommodate students in wheelchairs?
Schools accommodate students in wheelchairs by providing step-free access, installing ramps and elevators, creating wheelchair accessible classrooms, and offering tailored support such as accessible restrooms and personal assistance where needed.
What is a wheelchair accessible classroom?
A wheelchair accessible classroom is designed to allow easy movement and participation for students using wheelchairs. It features wide doorways, adjustable desks, ample floor space, and accessible learning resources.
What improvements can schools make to support disabled students?
To improve accessibility for disabled students, schools can install elevators, redesign spaces to allow better mobility, use assistive technologies, and provide sensory-friendly environments—key steps in learning how to improve accessibility for disabled learners.
What should I look for in accessible schools or disabled access colleges?
When evaluating accessible schools or disabled access colleges, look for features like step-free entrances, well-maintained lifts, specialist support staff, and inclusive teaching practices. Facilities like changing places toilets and therapy spaces also indicate a strong commitment to accessibility.
How can I support a child who uses a wheelchair at school?
Supporting a child who uses a wheelchair at school involves working closely with teachers and support staff to ensure the child has equal access to learning and facilities. Advocating for physical access, inclusive activities, and emotional support is vital for their success.
