"Disability and foreign language learning [are examined] less with the aim of enabling a student to overcome impairment than to examine how pairing the two enriches our understanding of both." - Worlds Apart?: Disability and Foreign Language Learning (see Recommended Reading)
In an increasingly global society, learning a second language is becoming a necessary part of forming cross-cultural connections and participating functionally in school and the workplace, particularly in higher education. The EU currently recommends that every student learn three languages. Despite recognition of its importance, learning a second language is considered a secondary feature of education that can be discarded or removed. We envision a future in which every student, regardless of ability, is empowered to participate in a second language classroom. Furthermore, teaching based on the neurodiversity model allows disability and language learning to be in service of each other, not contradictory. Therefore, advocacy and awareness of these teaching principles is essential for a modern second language classroom.Â