Environmental adaptations modify the room arrangement and furniture in a particular space/ location (e.g., classroom, lunch space, bathroom, cubbies or play ground) and/or the sensory environment to promote children’s participation, engagement and learning in a particular space/location with peers.

Applying Universal design for all children: The preschool story hour in a community library is held in an open, uncrowded room on the first floor so all children (including those who use a wheelchair or other special equipment) can easily enter this space. In the nearby Little Learners Child Care Center, the layout of the classroom was designed to focus children’s engagement in center activities. A large empty space was eliminated in the center of the room to decrease random running around by the children. In its place, discrete centers (books, art, dress-up, blocks, puzzles) were set up with boundaries created by low shelves and tables to define specific play spaces.

Adaptations for a specific child to improve reach and grasp: Child sits in a specialized chair to eat lunch in a preschool class in Prince George’s County Public School. This chair supports her in a sitting position at the same height as the other children. The adaptation also enables her to see a story book as the teacher reads it as well as manipulate learning materials at the same table as her peers.