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Welcome to my independent research project! Please view my summary below and join in the discussion.
In this YouTube video, a woman tells about her life in a wheelchair. She was born with spina bifida, like my expert voice.
“No matter how we travel, we are all on the same journey” (Utah Assistive Technology Program, 2003).
Overview:
About 88,000 students (age 18 and under) have to use a wheelchair every day of their life. (Disability Statistics Center, 2002). Students who are physically challenged are one of the fastest growing populations of children who are receiving special education services in school (Knight, D., & Wadsworth, D., 1993).
There are many misconceptions about students in wheelchairs. Gaining awareness about students in wheelchairs helps to clear up those misconceptions. It is important to understand that just because students are physically challenged and in a wheelchair does not mean they are not intelligent. Being physically challenged is often separate from matters of cognition and general health. It does not always mean that a student has other health problems or difficulty with intellectual functioning. They generally have normal intellectual functioning (Utah Assistive Technology Program, 2003). Also, it is important to remember that not all people are in a wheelchair for the same reason. Some people have conditions that are present at birth that require them to be in a wheelchair, while others are the result of physical injury or an illness. According to the Disability Statistics Center (2002), some of the leading conditions of why people are in wheelchairs are:
1 Stroke (cerebrovascular disease)
2 Osteoarthritis
3 Multiple sclerosis
4 Absence or loss of lower extremity
5 Paraplegia
6 Orthopedic impairment of lower extremity
7 Heart disease (type unspecified)
8 Cerebral palsy
9 Rheumatoid arthritis
10 Diabetes
Other considerations to think about are that many students who have to use wheelchairs lead lives similar to those without physical challenges. Also, remember that a wheelchair helps a person move and get around rather than something one is “confined to”. Wheelchairs are part of a student’s personal space. People should not lean on, touch or push the wheelchair, unless asked to help.
Four laws have been established that ensure all students with physical challenges have the right to an appropriate education:
PL 94-142 Education of All Handicapped Children Act (1975).
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 1997).
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Students who are physically challenged need special accommodations. As teachers, we need to make modifications to the classroom structure and accommodations for these students so they feel included in the classroom. “The self-esteem of a physically challenged student has a critical effect on learning. To enhance self-image, the education team must be constantly mindful of ways to involve these students in classroom activities” (Knight, D., & Wadsworth, D., 1993). Here are some tips and classroom accommodation ideas for teaching students in wheelchairs.
Tips and Classroom Accommodations for teaching students in wheelchairs:
Ensure that the student feels accepted in the classroom by providing for peer group understanding and interaction.
Make sure the classroom environment is physically accessible and safe for students in a wheelchair.
Make sure the classroom door is accessible for students in wheelchairs so they are able to enter easily into the classroom without having to maneuver through tight spaces.
Classrooms should be set up so a student can freely move up and down the aisles. The paths to all major areas of the classroom should be kept clear at all times. This will help the student for daily classroom movement and also in case of an emergency.
Make sure to assign lockers or cubbyholes so a student is easily able to access it from a wheelchair without having to bend over or reach up high over their head as well as any classroom materials needed.
Make sure students in wheelchairs have access to a school elevator if there is more than one level in the school.
Try not to seat students in wheelchairs in the back row. Make it possible for them to be a part of the regular classroom setting. Remember to place the student so he or she can get to the classroom door easily in case of an emergency. Make sure there is a desk available in the classroom that the student will be able to get their wheelchair under.
When talking with a student in a wheelchair, attempt to talk at eye level instead of standing and looking down at the person.
If needed, provide appropriate adaptive equipment and computer technology to help the student. Also, allow alternative methods of evaluation to compensate for the physical limitations.
Make sure ahead of time that field trip environments are fully accessible for students in wheelchairs.
Be flexible with assignment deadlines that require the library or out of school locations as it may be harder to get around in a wheelchair.
Understand that students in wheelchairs may be late to class. Some are unable to move quickly from one classroom to another.
When in doubt about how to help a student in a wheelchair, ask. They may or may not want assistance.
My expert voice:
Hi! I’m Chris. I am Abby Larson’s expert voice. I am 22 years old. I have used a wheelchair my whole life. I was born with spina bifida. My favorite part of being in a wheelchair is having new experiences daily...Believe it or not, I've had new experiences each day!!
Please post any questions you have for me down below in the comments section and I will respond to your answers here. Thanks!
To Jamie: Thanks for your question. Elementary school was pretty much ordinary. My elementary school was a one-floor school, with everything accessible. Then came middle school, that was a different story. For the first year I was forced to eat lunch in my classroom as the lunch room was in the basement and there was no elevator. About half-way into the school year, there was an elevator installed, so that eliminated any other problems I had. My high school was handicapped accessible, and a chair lift was added for me to gain access to the weight room. As far as things teachers could have done differently, classrooms I were in could have been arranged to make more room for me, as I sometimes struggled to move around in them. Thanks, Jamie, for your question.
To Dan: Wheelchairs aren't made with wider wheels because it's harder to move around. At least that's my opinion! :)
To Brenda: Hi, Brenda! I'm glad to be here. That is an excellent question....First of all, it's imperative that communities, wherever they may be, have sidewalks with the curb cut out. This is imperative because if there was no curb cut out, people in wheelchairs or those who have trouble walking, will be unable to access those areas of the communities. As far as other facilities, I would work with business owners to make their facilities handicapped accessible.
To Josh: I guess it really doesn't matter to me, but it's always easier talking to someone at eye level. You know what I mean?
To ewestby: I had a specific spot in each classroom that I sat it. Most of the time it was in the back of the room nearest to the door (for easy access in case of a fire/tornado/drill. I do remember, however, being the farthest away from the door when I was in high school. That sure made things interesting.
To Katherine: Yes, there was always a student I chose to help me around. As far as staff, they were all willing to help out.
To Marissa: Definitely a great question. In my case there wasn't, but there could be things such as working with kids who are allergic to things like balloons, etc., to make sure those things aren't in the environment.
Annapolis Valley Regional School Board. (1996). Meeting the needs of students with physical disabilities [PDF file]. Retrieved fromwww.nsnet.org/start/physical.pdf
Curtin, M., & Clarke, G. (2005). Listening to young people with physical disabilities' experiences of education. International Journal of Disability, Development & Education, 52(3), 195-214. doi:10.1080/10349120500252817
Disability Statistics Center, University of California, San Francisco. (2002). Disability statistics abstract May 2002 / number 23: Wheelchair use in the United States [PDF file]. Retrieved from dsc.ucsf.edu/view_pdf.php?pdf_id=21
Knight, D., & Wadsworth, D. (1993). Physically challenged students: Inclusion classrooms. Childhood Education, 69(4), 211-15. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Office of Student Life, University of California, San Francisco. (n.d.). Instructional strategies for students with mobility impairments [PDF file]. Retrieved from osl.ucsf.edu/dss/assets/Mobility_Im.pdf
I worked at a nuclear reservation (YIKES I know) and one of the engineers was wheel-chair bound. I worked with him for 6 years -- it really became a non-issue and was not really remembered, if that makes sense. Al was just Al - always worked hard, always came to work, made meetings, etc. No one treated him differently and he didn't seek anything extra. Another person I worked with there was in human resources, a young clerk/student aid - same thing - it was really a non-issue.
I had this conversation with a friend of mine who is wheel-chair bound. I know longer see as my friend in a wheel-chair, I just see her as my friend. But, the interesting part that sticks with me is when I see strangers in a wheel-chair, I see them at the person in the wheel-chair, not just a stranger. My friend who is wheel-chair bound said she gets this all the time. She said it takes people to get used to something they aren't used to seeing everyday and that if we don't treat those people differently, just like everyone else, things will be just fine. She wanted to make sure I understood that people in wheel-chairs are typically used to being wheel-chairs because its apart of them, like our legs our to those who are not in a wheel-chair. Exposure is what people need to see people and not wheel-chairs according to my pal.
My mother is severely handicapped with rheumatoid arthritis and is pushed in a wheelchair whenever there is extensive walking involved. What I have witnessed is that people are not always careful or considerate to these people, it's probably not intentional but they are not careful of bumping her, which is very painful. On the other hand, we have been given awesome seat and she has been treated as a VIP, as the girl mentioned in many places. Getting wheelchairs can also be another story, in a mall often times I have to leave her to go down a level to check one out. I'll have to ride the elevator up to get her.
The few students that I do know in wheelchairs are so strong and don't want to be treated with a disability, they want to be like all the other teens. They will try to everything that they can.
Due to diabetes, my uncle had both legs amputated at the knees, so he was confined to a wheelchair. The first few years he was very positive, he was fit with prosthetics, he did his physical therapy, and was motivated to walk again. Then something happened and he gave up. Quit therapy, and never left his wheel chair. He started to feel sorry for himself. Shortly afterward, he died of a heart attack.
I work with two students who are in wheelchairs. They are both non-verbal. They do have use of their legs, but will probably be wheelchair-bound their whole lives. I was in the classroom the other day while one of the students was having a wheelchair assessment. She's growing and needs a new chair. One of the comments was that she should get a taller chair so she is closer in height to her peers (2nd grade). It was interesting to hear about all the options for her new chair.
Almost disbelieve! WOW, I wonder how the policy would read if the principals child were in a wheelchair. I hope that I am able to treat others children as I would want mine own to be treated.
This is absolutely ridiculous! I'd like to hear what happened with this case. I wonder if there was legal action taken. Just because they say that was there "plan," doesn't make it acceptable.
You mention that it is important to try to talk to the student at eye level, I see where this would be more acceptable and meaningful, but do you think people would see it the other way?
I think that is a great question to ask my authentic voice. He will be able to share his input if he prefers people kneeling or bending down when talking to him or if it doesn't matter.
I'm kindof with you there, Joshua. I know when I've met with children I like to get down to their level. There's a lot to be said about that theory. With bending down to teens who are in wheelchairs, I would think they would feel less comfortable. It's no question that they are in a wheelchair, but I really don't think they want to be acknowledged that fact. It has nothing to do with pity; just being treated as though there wheelchair doesn't define who we think they are.
But even when I talk to my students that aren't in wheelchairs when they are working in their desks, I often kneel down beside them just so I can be at their level and talk to them in a quieter voice and maintain eye contact so I can really tell that they are listening and comprehending. I don't like to stand over their desks when they are asking me a question that needs more than a one-word answer, so I think it would be the same way for a student in a wheelchair. I'm not treating the other students as though their desk defines who they are, I'm just making the effort to get on their level.
I agree - I like to squat or kneel next to a student I working with, even putting them a smidge higher than myself. I think it is more personal and private and less intimidating. Same would be said for someone in a wheelchair I would think.
I thought it was interesting that she said she didn't relate with either the able-bodied nor the handi-capped. It would definitely be hard to live in a snowy place and be in a wheelchair - I've never thought of that!! It's hard enough to walk in the snow/ice, let alone try and maneuver through it!
Life is not easy for people in a wheelchair, but we should never underestimate a student.
All students can achieve, but not all paths will be the same.
This YouTube video would be a great teaching video to share with students. Many students may treat the students in wheelchairs differently simply because they have not been exposed to anyone in a wheelchair before and they are not sure how to act. They need to learn that they are not handicapped in the way the students may believe, they just cannot walk.
Yeah. I was happy to find this video of the woman sharing her story. I think it is a great teaching tool. It will help students that don't know much about people in wheelchairs learn more.
You'll have to pardon me for asking a dumb question, but it really is relevant. Why aren't wheelchairs made with wider tires? The reason I am asking is that in ecology, a common lab is a field study. It would make rough or soft ground more accessible if the tires were not so thin and sink in the dirt or mud. Do you think this would help accessibility to "off-road" activities better?
Weight...you want a lighter wheelchair for mobility and easier maneuvering. If you have bigger tires, it is only adding more weight that they have to push...and less maneuvering capabilities since it will be more bulkier.
Yeah, I think weight would be the reason. You would think somebody could invent a light weight wheelchair with tires that would help people go through snow and ice easier. I can't imagine how difficult it would be.
I imagine wider tires aren't going to help a ton if you're trying to maneuver across uneven ground. But who knows! Maybe that's an invention waiting to happen. I know people who bring wheelchairs into the boundary waters, but it requires some extra planning
I understand why you ladies mention getting to the same level as students, in a wheelchair or not. I get it. It makes sense. But I think we really do that without any thought to the wheelchair. And I'd like to think that we've come a long way in society that someone in a wheelchair is not foreign to us. I really hope so. Flip side of that- I worked PT at a two-story hotel last summer for extra cash. I'm sorry to admit that we did not have an elevator or a ramp or anything that was wheelchair accesible. It was embarrassing.
Very real, as my brother became paraplegic at the age of 18 from a football hit. He needs a wheelchair, but does not depend on a wheelchair. He is currently labeled an incomplete paraplegic, which means he has use of his legs, but walks very, very slowly w/ a cane. So, he utilizes his wheelchair quite often while in public to get around faster. I can relate to her trying to get through ice/snow. One reason my brother now lives in CA, is because of how difficult it is during the winter for wheelchair bound people. Sidewalks and entries are not deiced or plowed enough for chairs to roll through. I love that fact that she is smart - some people in wheelchairs may have mental/learning problems, but it isn't the case all the time. They are very bright, if not, brighter than most average students because they have to prove themselves somehow. It is a great clip to show other students...
Very enlightening video. I have two amazing friends who use a wheel chair. Both as a result of accidents. And yet, I still learned lots with your summary here. Thank you!
This is a great video. She is extremely articulate about her condition - or her VIP status - as she states. It would be a great teaching tool. On a side note, since taking my daughter out in her stroller, I have become a lot more aware of how difficult it can be fore wheelchair bound individuals. Obviously, I'm not suggesting that I understand what it's like to be wheelchair bound, but I have realized how difficult it can be to find the handicapped entrance, if there is one, or how small some elevators are, or how hard it is to get through the snow. I heard a story from a wheelchair bound woman on NPR about snow shoveling, and because of it we've been much better about it this year.
Hi Chris,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Can you explain to us how elementary - high school was for you? What could the teachers or school improve upon to accommodate (physically & mentally & emotionally) a person in a wheelchair?
Hi Chris,
My name is Jaime Goulet - a student in Human Relations with Denise Larson. I am currently with my authentic voice (7:45am) and I was showing her how to reply and add questions to people. So, this question really is from me, Jaime. Sorry for the confusion...
Hi Chris,thank you for sharing your time with us. If you could change anything in the community so that you could assess things easier, what would it be?
Hi Chris! Did you have specific spots in each classroom where you always sat or did you just sit wherever? Is it better to have a small free-standing table or is it ok to just be seated next to a desk?
Thank you for your responses Chris! After reading Abby's news story above, I am wondering whether you had someone available to assist you in getting around the school if need be?
As an old guy who had a knee replaced 3 years ago and a hip replaced in January, I wish to tip my hat to all the folx in wheelchairs who made sure that we had curb cuts all over my city. They make life easier for me, for moms pushing baby strollers, for bike commuters, for kids on skateboards or rollerblades, basically for everybody (after they added the bumps for the blind folx). I'm also fond of ramps instead of stairs, pushbutton doors for when my hands are full of groceries, and a hundred other conveniences that were installed for the benefit of people with physical handicaps but which end up helping ALL of us.
Abby,
Your research was well synthesized but the tips for teachers was the strongest part of your presentation. Chris shared some very important data and your discussions were well attended. Excellent work on this assignment.
1. Research your topic. 5 refs-2 hard copy 25 points
2. Synthesize 200-400 words 25 points
3. Respond to peers. 25 points
4. Introductory statement from guest. Attend 25 points
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Comments (Show all 41)
Abby Larson said
at 1:50 pm on Apr 4, 2011
What are you experiences with people in wheelchairs?
Elizabeth Murray said
at 10:21 pm on Apr 4, 2011
I worked at a nuclear reservation (YIKES I know) and one of the engineers was wheel-chair bound. I worked with him for 6 years -- it really became a non-issue and was not really remembered, if that makes sense. Al was just Al - always worked hard, always came to work, made meetings, etc. No one treated him differently and he didn't seek anything extra. Another person I worked with there was in human resources, a young clerk/student aid - same thing - it was really a non-issue.
Laura Rust said
at 2:24 pm on Apr 16, 2011
I had this conversation with a friend of mine who is wheel-chair bound. I know longer see as my friend in a wheel-chair, I just see her as my friend. But, the interesting part that sticks with me is when I see strangers in a wheel-chair, I see them at the person in the wheel-chair, not just a stranger. My friend who is wheel-chair bound said she gets this all the time. She said it takes people to get used to something they aren't used to seeing everyday and that if we don't treat those people differently, just like everyone else, things will be just fine. She wanted to make sure I understood that people in wheel-chairs are typically used to being wheel-chairs because its apart of them, like our legs our to those who are not in a wheel-chair. Exposure is what people need to see people and not wheel-chairs according to my pal.
Brenda Mattei said
at 10:52 am on Apr 5, 2011
My mother is severely handicapped with rheumatoid arthritis and is pushed in a wheelchair whenever there is extensive walking involved. What I have witnessed is that people are not always careful or considerate to these people, it's probably not intentional but they are not careful of bumping her, which is very painful. On the other hand, we have been given awesome seat and she has been treated as a VIP, as the girl mentioned in many places. Getting wheelchairs can also be another story, in a mall often times I have to leave her to go down a level to check one out. I'll have to ride the elevator up to get her.
Darla Stevens said
at 11:27 am on Apr 5, 2011
The few students that I do know in wheelchairs are so strong and don't want to be treated with a disability, they want to be like all the other teens. They will try to everything that they can.
kevin.engel@... said
at 2:39 pm on Apr 8, 2011
Due to diabetes, my uncle had both legs amputated at the knees, so he was confined to a wheelchair. The first few years he was very positive, he was fit with prosthetics, he did his physical therapy, and was motivated to walk again. Then something happened and he gave up. Quit therapy, and never left his wheel chair. He started to feel sorry for himself. Shortly afterward, he died of a heart attack.
Marissa said
at 5:55 pm on Apr 17, 2011
I work with two students who are in wheelchairs. They are both non-verbal. They do have use of their legs, but will probably be wheelchair-bound their whole lives. I was in the classroom the other day while one of the students was having a wheelchair assessment. She's growing and needs a new chair. One of the comments was that she should get a taller chair so she is closer in height to her peers (2nd grade). It was interesting to hear about all the options for her new chair.
Abby Larson said
at 1:54 pm on Apr 4, 2011
I found this news article about students in wheelchairs and school emergency policies: http://www.ksbw.com/r/4049149/detail.html
What are your thoughts/opinion about what happened?
Brenda Mattei said
at 10:57 am on Apr 5, 2011
Almost disbelieve! WOW, I wonder how the policy would read if the principals child were in a wheelchair. I hope that I am able to treat others children as I would want mine own to be treated.
Abby Larson said
at 9:13 pm on Apr 7, 2011
That is interesting to think about...I think the policy would probably be different if the principal's child were in a wheelchair.
Katherine Buhr said
at 10:27 pm on Apr 16, 2011
This is absolutely ridiculous! I'd like to hear what happened with this case. I wonder if there was legal action taken. Just because they say that was there "plan," doesn't make it acceptable.
Joshua Voller said
at 6:01 pm on Apr 4, 2011
You mention that it is important to try to talk to the student at eye level, I see where this would be more acceptable and meaningful, but do you think people would see it the other way?
Abby Larson said
at 3:40 pm on Apr 7, 2011
I think that is a great question to ask my authentic voice. He will be able to share his input if he prefers people kneeling or bending down when talking to him or if it doesn't matter.
denise.larson@... said
at 6:43 pm on Apr 4, 2011
I'm kindof with you there, Joshua. I know when I've met with children I like to get down to their level. There's a lot to be said about that theory. With bending down to teens who are in wheelchairs, I would think they would feel less comfortable. It's no question that they are in a wheelchair, but I really don't think they want to be acknowledged that fact. It has nothing to do with pity; just being treated as though there wheelchair doesn't define who we think they are.
Erika Westby said
at 7:14 pm on Apr 4, 2011
But even when I talk to my students that aren't in wheelchairs when they are working in their desks, I often kneel down beside them just so I can be at their level and talk to them in a quieter voice and maintain eye contact so I can really tell that they are listening and comprehending. I don't like to stand over their desks when they are asking me a question that needs more than a one-word answer, so I think it would be the same way for a student in a wheelchair. I'm not treating the other students as though their desk defines who they are, I'm just making the effort to get on their level.
Elizabeth Murray said
at 9:34 pm on Apr 4, 2011
I agree - I like to squat or kneel next to a student I working with, even putting them a smidge higher than myself. I think it is more personal and private and less intimidating. Same would be said for someone in a wheelchair I would think.
Elizabeth Murray said
at 9:33 pm on Apr 4, 2011
But depending on the situation, couldn't you sit in a chair next to the person in the wheelchair? Or teach sitting down sometimes?
Elizabeth Murray said
at 10:24 pm on Apr 4, 2011
I thought it was interesting that she said she didn't relate with either the able-bodied nor the handi-capped. It would definitely be hard to live in a snowy place and be in a wheelchair - I've never thought of that!! It's hard enough to walk in the snow/ice, let alone try and maneuver through it!
Josh Alessio said
at 10:31 am on Apr 5, 2011
Life is not easy for people in a wheelchair, but we should never underestimate a student.
All students can achieve, but not all paths will be the same.
Brenda Mattei said
at 10:47 am on Apr 5, 2011
This YouTube video would be a great teaching video to share with students. Many students may treat the students in wheelchairs differently simply because they have not been exposed to anyone in a wheelchair before and they are not sure how to act. They need to learn that they are not handicapped in the way the students may believe, they just cannot walk.
Abby Larson said
at 9:12 pm on Apr 7, 2011
Yeah. I was happy to find this video of the woman sharing her story. I think it is a great teaching tool. It will help students that don't know much about people in wheelchairs learn more.
Darla Stevens said
at 11:25 am on Apr 5, 2011
This young women is so strong. I am so proud of her
Dan Morrison said
at 10:43 pm on Apr 5, 2011
You'll have to pardon me for asking a dumb question, but it really is relevant. Why aren't wheelchairs made with wider tires? The reason I am asking is that in ecology, a common lab is a field study. It would make rough or soft ground more accessible if the tires were not so thin and sink in the dirt or mud. Do you think this would help accessibility to "off-road" activities better?
Jaime Goulet said
at 9:02 pm on Apr 6, 2011
Weight...you want a lighter wheelchair for mobility and easier maneuvering. If you have bigger tires, it is only adding more weight that they have to push...and less maneuvering capabilities since it will be more bulkier.
Abby Larson said
at 9:15 pm on Apr 7, 2011
Yeah, I think weight would be the reason. You would think somebody could invent a light weight wheelchair with tires that would help people go through snow and ice easier. I can't imagine how difficult it would be.
Zach Johnson said
at 6:20 pm on Apr 11, 2011
I imagine wider tires aren't going to help a ton if you're trying to maneuver across uneven ground. But who knows! Maybe that's an invention waiting to happen. I know people who bring wheelchairs into the boundary waters, but it requires some extra planning
denise.larson@... said
at 7:59 pm on Apr 6, 2011
I understand why you ladies mention getting to the same level as students, in a wheelchair or not. I get it. It makes sense. But I think we really do that without any thought to the wheelchair. And I'd like to think that we've come a long way in society that someone in a wheelchair is not foreign to us. I really hope so. Flip side of that- I worked PT at a two-story hotel last summer for extra cash. I'm sorry to admit that we did not have an elevator or a ramp or anything that was wheelchair accesible. It was embarrassing.
Jaime Goulet said
at 8:59 pm on Apr 6, 2011
Very real, as my brother became paraplegic at the age of 18 from a football hit. He needs a wheelchair, but does not depend on a wheelchair. He is currently labeled an incomplete paraplegic, which means he has use of his legs, but walks very, very slowly w/ a cane. So, he utilizes his wheelchair quite often while in public to get around faster. I can relate to her trying to get through ice/snow. One reason my brother now lives in CA, is because of how difficult it is during the winter for wheelchair bound people. Sidewalks and entries are not deiced or plowed enough for chairs to roll through. I love that fact that she is smart - some people in wheelchairs may have mental/learning problems, but it isn't the case all the time. They are very bright, if not, brighter than most average students because they have to prove themselves somehow. It is a great clip to show other students...
David L Zuck said
at 9:41 pm on Apr 7, 2011
Very enlightening video. I have two amazing friends who use a wheel chair. Both as a result of accidents. And yet, I still learned lots with your summary here. Thank you!
Genevieve.Bennett@st.bemidjistate.edu said
at 11:14 pm on Apr 7, 2011
This is a great video. She is extremely articulate about her condition - or her VIP status - as she states. It would be a great teaching tool. On a side note, since taking my daughter out in her stroller, I have become a lot more aware of how difficult it can be fore wheelchair bound individuals. Obviously, I'm not suggesting that I understand what it's like to be wheelchair bound, but I have realized how difficult it can be to find the handicapped entrance, if there is one, or how small some elevators are, or how hard it is to get through the snow. I heard a story from a wheelchair bound woman on NPR about snow shoveling, and because of it we've been much better about it this year.
babygirl said
at 6:43 am on Apr 16, 2011
Hi Chris,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Can you explain to us how elementary - high school was for you? What could the teachers or school improve upon to accommodate (physically & mentally & emotionally) a person in a wheelchair?
Jaime Goulet said
at 6:49 am on Apr 16, 2011
Hi Chris,
My name is Jaime Goulet - a student in Human Relations with Denise Larson. I am currently with my authentic voice (7:45am) and I was showing her how to reply and add questions to people. So, this question really is from me, Jaime. Sorry for the confusion...
Jaime Goulet said
at 6:50 am on Apr 16, 2011
I meant Abby Larson...sorry Abby ;)
Christopher Larson said
at 9:05 am on Apr 16, 2011
Send in your questions :)
Brenda Mattei said
at 11:55 am on Apr 16, 2011
Hi Chris,thank you for sharing your time with us. If you could change anything in the community so that you could assess things easier, what would it be?
Erika Westby said
at 2:45 pm on Apr 16, 2011
Hi Chris! Did you have specific spots in each classroom where you always sat or did you just sit wherever? Is it better to have a small free-standing table or is it ok to just be seated next to a desk?
Katherine Buhr said
at 10:31 pm on Apr 16, 2011
Thank you for your responses Chris! After reading Abby's news story above, I am wondering whether you had someone available to assist you in getting around the school if need be?
Richard S. Russell said
at 1:16 am on Apr 17, 2011
As an old guy who had a knee replaced 3 years ago and a hip replaced in January, I wish to tip my hat to all the folx in wheelchairs who made sure that we had curb cuts all over my city. They make life easier for me, for moms pushing baby strollers, for bike commuters, for kids on skateboards or rollerblades, basically for everybody (after they added the bumps for the blind folx). I'm also fond of ramps instead of stairs, pushbutton doors for when my hands are full of groceries, and a hundred other conveniences that were installed for the benefit of people with physical handicaps but which end up helping ALL of us.
Marissa said
at 6:00 pm on Apr 17, 2011
Were there any other challenges in school that we might not think of (aside from mobility around the classroom, stairs, reaching, etc)?
Barbara Bridges said
at 3:07 pm on Apr 28, 2011
Abby,
Your research was well synthesized but the tips for teachers was the strongest part of your presentation. Chris shared some very important data and your discussions were well attended. Excellent work on this assignment.
1. Research your topic. 5 refs-2 hard copy 25 points
2. Synthesize 200-400 words 25 points
3. Respond to peers. 25 points
4. Introductory statement from guest. Attend 25 points
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