As practitioners in the field of special education, we are constantly seeking ways to enhance our skills and improve outcomes for our students. A recent research article titled Operationalizing Equity, Inclusion, and Access in Research Practice at a Large Academic Institution provides valuable insights that can be applied to our work, particularly in the context of online therapy services provided by companies like TinyEYE.
This blog will outline key recommendations from the research and offer practical steps for implementing these principles in school-based therapy practices.
Key Recommendations
- Participant Payment and Incentives: Ensure fair compensation for participants, offering multiple payment options to reduce barriers.
- Language Interpretation and Translation: Provide language access by identifying top languages of your target population and utilizing interpretation and translation services.
- Plain Language in Research Communications: Simplify language in all communications, targeting a 6th- to 8th-grade reading level to improve comprehension.
- Readability of Study Materials: Enhance readability through appropriate text formatting, symbols, and visuals.
- Inclusive Language for Scientific Communications: Use specific, humanizing terms as adjectives rather than nouns to foster inclusivity.
Practical Steps for Implementation
Here are some actionable steps to help you integrate these recommendations into your school-based therapy practices:
1. Fair Compensation and Incentives
Consider offering incentives to encourage participation in online therapy sessions. Ensure that these incentives are equitable and accessible to all families, regardless of their socioeconomic status. This could include providing multiple payment methods, such as prepaid cards or direct deposits, to accommodate different needs.
2. Language Access
Identify the primary languages spoken by the families in your school district. Collaborate with interpretation and translation services to ensure that all communications, including consent forms and therapy instructions, are available in these languages. This will help bridge language barriers and ensure that all families can fully participate in their child's therapy.
3. Simplify Communications
Use plain language in all written and verbal communications with families. Avoid jargon and complex terms, and aim for a reading level that is accessible to most parents. Tools like readability calculators can help assess and adjust the complexity of your materials.
4. Enhance Readability
Improve the readability of your materials by using clear text formatting, such as larger fonts and bullet points. Incorporate symbols and visuals to illustrate key points and make information more accessible to diverse audiences.
5. Use Inclusive Language
Adopt inclusive language practices in all communications. This includes using specific, humanizing terms and avoiding language that may be perceived as stigmatizing or exclusionary. For example, refer to "students with disabilities" rather than "disabled students."
Encouraging Further Research
While the guidelines provided in the research article offer a solid foundation, it is important to continuously seek out new information and best practices. Attending conferences, participating in webinars, and reading current publications can help you stay informed about the latest developments in equity, inclusion, and access in educational settings.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Operationalizing Equity, Inclusion, and Access in Research Practice at a Large Academic Institution.
By implementing these recommendations and committing to ongoing learning, we can create more equitable and inclusive environments for all students, ensuring that they receive the support they need to succeed.
