Teachers: Students with Disabilities

The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation are committed to the inclusivity of Poetry Out Loud. Accessibility is considered at all levels, from the development of program materials to the planning of competitions.

Teachers are encouraged to involve all students in their classroom Poetry Out Loud activities. Evaluation criteria can be adjusted as needed, to accommodate students with disabilities. For additional guidance, contact your state Poetry Out Loud coordinator.

ASL and Poetry Out Loud

Poetry Out Loud was piloted at a school for the deaf during the 2008-09 school year, providing us the framework to create a national model for including deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Poetry Out Loud. The following materials may help you include deaf and hard-of-hearing students in your own school.

ASL Supplement to the POL Teacher’s Guide

ASL Supplement to the POL Judge’s Guide

Accessibility at State Finals and National Finals

A school champion who requires any accommodations in order to compete at the regional or state finals should notify the state Poetry Out Loud coordinator immediately upon being selected as school champion.

A state champion who requires any accommodations in order to compete in the National Finals should notify the National Endowment for the Arts Poetry Out Loud Program Manager immediately upon being selected as state champion.