Transforming Classrooms: The Power of Flexible Seating for Students with Special Needs
- August 13, 2024
- MiEN
Transforming Classrooms: The Power of Flexible Seating for Students with Special Needs
Classroom environments are changing rapidly with advancements in assistive technology, an increased focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), and Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives. Educators are continuing to focus on inclusion as part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). These advancements require teachers and administrators to consider the multiple variables in both classroom design and the sensory needs of individual learners. Students with learning differences, attention issues, those along the autism spectrum, and those with physical and cognitive disabilities often face multiple challenges in the classroom with the sometimes-overwhelming demands on their sensorimotor systems. Great educators know that learning doesn’t just start from the chin up. We need our bodies and senses to process and learn.
Understanding the diverse needs of students is crucial for creating learning environments that are inclusive and supportive. A significant component of this is the selection of flexible seating options that cater to the unique needs of each student.
Here are 4 key seating considerations when designing for inclusive and/or special education spaces:
Supported Seating
Provide supported seating that allows for adequate trunk and foot support. Many students with special needs face difficulties with motor planning and balance, making options like high lab stools or café chairs hard to maneuver, as the stool bar may not provide adequate foot stability. The A3+ Student Chair is a good option to provide stability for those with balance and motor planning challenges as well as extra spatial boundary definition for those with sensory processing issues. The STAR 4-Leg Chair can be used in the standard method or flipped with the back facing forward so now the student can lean in for front trunk support while the star provides additional support and spatial boundary definition.
Supported seating options can significantly enhance the learning experience for students who struggle with physical stability and sensory processing. By offering chairs that provide both trunk support and a sense of security, educators can help students maintain focus and participate more actively in classroom activities.
Soft Seating Options
Provide options for soft seating. Neurodiverse learners (ADHD, ASD etc.) may find standard wooden or plastic chairs lacking in both tactile (touch) and proprioceptive (deep touch pressure/body- in- space) input that their bodies need to stay alert and focused. The FLEX Line with options like the FLEX Lite Flexagon Ottoman or the FLEX Steps provide this additional sensory input while their design allows for individual or collaborative groupings. The Gecko Soft Seating line also meets the sensory friendly requirements while being eco friendly too!
Soft seating options offer a comfortable alternative to traditional chairs, providing the sensory input that some students need to remain engaged. These seats can also be arranged to create collaborative spaces that encourage social interaction and group work, essential components of SEL initiatives.
Sensory Input Through Movement
Be sure to include options for added sensory input in the form of movement. Again, neurodiverse learners may need extra vestibular or movement input to help with self-regulation to support focus, attention and on task behaviors. The HIH Pneumatic Stool is a favorite as it allows for gentle rocking and is height adjustable with the press of a button. The FFL Reverse Cantilever Chair provides more trunk stability where balance may be an issue, yet still allows either standard or reverse positioning of the chair for gentle linear rocking.
Movement-based seating can help students who require more frequent sensory input to maintain concentration. These options encourage subtle movements that can aid in self-regulation, enabling students to better manage their sensory needs and remain on task.
Privacy and Sensory Modulation
Consider seating options that offer privacy and help modulate sensory input for students who may be easily overstimulated or distracted. Creating semi-enclosed seating areas or using partitions can help reduce visual and auditory distractions, allowing students to focus better. The KIO Cottage by MiEN provides a semi-enclosed space that offers a sense of privacy and security, making it ideal for students who require a more controlled environment. The GROW Bench can be flipped over to create a private nook, providing a quiet space for individual work or relaxation, further supporting sensory modulation and concentration.
Privacy-oriented seating options are invaluable for students who need a quieter, less stimulating environment to concentrate. These spaces can act as safe havens within the classroom, allowing students to retreat and refocus when necessary.
Enhancing Accessibility and Engagement in the Classroom: The Importance of Adjustable Desks
Finally, as part of reasonable accommodation for students with special needs let’s not forget desk options! Adjustable desks are an essential addition to ensure flexible seating. For students with mobility issues, adjustable desks can make learning spaces more accessible and comfortable. Desks with an adjustable height and/or ADA compliant classroom desks can be adjusted to a set height––and outfitted with casters for mobility––to accommodate wheelchair users.
Another benefit of adjustable desks is the ability to sit or stand while working. Research shows that using standing desks at intervals during the day may help with executive function skills of students and support on-task behavior. Here are some key findings:
Cognitive Benefits: A study by Texas A&M University found that students using standing desks demonstrated significant improvements in executive function and working memory. This was measured using computerized tests and brain imaging techniques, showing changes in brain activation patterns associated with these cognitive functions (Neuroscience News) (Vital Record).
Behavioral Improvements: Teachers have observed that students who use standing desks show better attention and behavior in class. This is supported by research indicating that standing desks can reduce sedentary behavior, leading to increased engagement and decreased off-task behavior (Vital Record) (MDPI).
Variability Among Students: Another study found that the effects of standing desks on cognition and behavior can vary depending on factors like grade level and sex. For example, third graders and females in particular showed increased cognitive control when using standing desks (MDPI).
These findings suggest that incorporating standing desks into the classroom environment can be a beneficial strategy for improving cognitive and behavioral outcomes for students (ScienceDaily).
Selecting flexible seating for students with special needs is a beneficial strategy for creating an inclusive, accommodating, and effective learning environment. As part of good UDL or Universal Design for Learning, many of these accommodations may apply to our general education student population as well! By incorporating a variety of seating options, educators can create spaces that enhance learning and comfort for everyone.
The Impact of Flexible Seating on Social Interaction and Collaboration
Flexible seating not only supports individual learning needs but also fosters an environment conducive to social interaction and collaboration. In classrooms where traditional desks are replaced with dynamic seating options, students often find it easier to engage with peers, share ideas, and work together on projects. This shift away from fixed seating arrangements allows students to form groups naturally, facilitating communication and teamwork skills, which are vital in both academic and real-world settings.
Collaborative spaces equipped with flexible seating encourage students to take ownership of their learning environment. By choosing their seating arrangements, students can create a workspace that suits their collaborative goals, whether it’s for a group discussion, a brainstorming session, or a team project. Products like Gecko Soft Seating provide versatile options that can be easily reconfigured to support group activities, enhancing the collaborative learning experience.
Moreover, flexible seating can promote inclusivity by breaking down the physical barriers of traditional classroom layouts. Students of varying abilities can participate equally, selecting seating that accommodates their needs while enabling them to engage fully with peers. This inclusive approach not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares students for diverse and collaborative work environments beyond the classroom.
Flexible seating for students with special needs is not just a classroom trend, it’s a fundamental shift towards inclusive learning environments. MiEN Company can help educators and schools design spaces that support all students to succeed. Recognizing and addressing diverse learning needs is crucial for creating an environment where every student can thrive.
References
- Mehta, R. K., Shortz, A. E., & Benden, M. E. (2015). Standing up for learning: A pilot investigation on the neurocognitive benefits of stand-biased school desks. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 13(1), 59. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph13010059
- Mitchell, R. L. (2016, January 14). New study indicates students’ cognitive functioning improves when using standing desks. Vital Record. https://vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu/new-study-indicates-students-cognitive-functioning-improves-when-using-standing-desks/
- Swartz, A. M., Cho, C. C., Kaiver, C. M., Sullivan, R. M., & Lisdahl, K. M. (2022). Stand-biased desks impact on cognition in elementary students using a within-classroom crossover design. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(9), 5684. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095684
- Texas A&M University. (2016, January 14). Students’ cognitive functioning improves when using standing desks, new study indicates. ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160114113635.htm
Cecilia Cruse, MS, OTR/L, Special Needs Consultant for MiEN, is a dedicated expert with over 30 years of experience in the field of occupational therapy, specializing in sensory integration and educational environments for students with special needs. Cecilia has a robust background working as an occupational therapist in various settings, including schools and private practice, where she has championed the development of sensory-friendly spaces that enhance learning and engagement for all students. In her role at MiEN, Cecilia collaborates with educators and designers to create inclusive, flexible learning environments that accommodate diverse sensory and learning needs. Cecilia holds a bachelor of health science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in Education from Georgia State University. Cecilia is a recognized leader in her field, known for her passion in ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive in an environment tailored to their unique abilities. Cecilia envisions a future where learning spaces are universally designed to support the success of all learners, regardless of their individual challenges.