How to make schools less noisy—and why it matters | Ana Sofia Brito | TEDxSaintAndrewsSchool | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Many students with invisible impairments struggle in noisy school environments, and there is a need for greater awareness and support for these students.

Key Insights

• 🫥 Many students with invisible impairments face challenges in noisy school environments, which can impact their academic performance and well-being.
• 🫥 Awareness and understanding of invisible impairments among teachers and students are crucial for providing appropriate support and accommodations.
• 🎚️ Noise levels in schools can reach harmful levels, and implementing noise monitoring systems can protect students from potential hearing damage.
• 🤭 Schools can create specific accommodations, such as designated quiet areas or fast passes, to help students with invisible impairments avoid overwhelming or noisy situations.

Transcript

[Applause] it was lunchtime a regular day in my book a greasy plate of pasta with some chicken noodle soup on the side maybe even a glass of water too like many lunchrooms it was loud and chaotic everybody was screaming about a Shadow Boxing game some girls were playing truth and dear and shouting after getting a crazy deer and some kids were loudl... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Why do invisible impairments often go unnoticed or unrecognized in schools?

Invisible impairments are not always immediately visible or obvious, leading to a lack of awareness among teachers and students. This results in less attention and support for students with these impairments.

Q: How can schools support students with strong emotional reactions to sounds?

Schools can create designated quiet areas in or around the lunchroom, provide options for eating outside, or offer fast passes to skip crowded and loud spaces. These accommodations can help students avoid overwhelming environments and find peace and comfort.

Q: How can schools raise awareness about invisible impairments?

Schools can implement noise monitoring systems to alert teachers when noise levels exceed a certain threshold, ensuring that students with sensitivity to noise are protected from potential hearing damage. Additionally, awareness campaigns and educational programs can provide information about invisible impairments and their impact on students' academic journey.

Q: What benefits can reducing noise levels in schools bring?

Reducing noise levels in schools can benefit everyone by creating a more conducive learning environment. It can improve concentration, prevent hearing damage, and alleviate stress or anxiety caused by excessive noise.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The lunchroom in the speaker's school is extremely loud, causing her physical pain and distress due to her sensitivity to loud noises and overstimulation.

• Many schools focus on providing accommodations for visible impairments, such as ramps or support bars, but there is a lack of support for students with invisible impairments.

• Invisible impairments, such as ADHD, anxiety, and autism, can impact a person's ability to learn or work, and schools need to provide accommodations to create a comfortable and successful learning environment for these students.