Mobility Impairments
A mobility impairment can include a range of physical disabilities that affect an individual’s mobility and/or range of mobility. These conditions can include, but are not limited to: cerebral palsy, amputation, paralysis, arthritis, back disorders, neuromuscular disorders, or a spinal cord injury. These impairments can be permanent or temporary. Common mobility aids may include: a wheelchair, an industrial scooter, a walker, or a cane.
Considerations and instructional strategies:
- Include the approved disability accommodation statement in the course syllabus. Invite students to contact you if they need disability-related accommodations.
- Consult with SAS if your class involves lab work, field trips, and/or requires students to access off-campus work sites.
- Contact SAS if you have concerns about the physical design and/or layout of your classroom.
- Make sure the aisles of your classroom are free from obstructions.
- Provide a short break during long class sessions.
- If you would like to be at eye level with a student using a wheelchair or scooter, sit in a chair rather than leaning over or crouching.
- If you are working with a student that also has a speech impairment, take time to understand the student. Let the student know if you don't understand and ask for clarification.
- When in doubt about how best to assist your student, ask them. Remember that confidentiality is important; therefore, it is best to have the conversation in private (e.g. during your office hours).
Accommodations may include, but are not limited to:
- Testing accommodations: extended time, reduced distraction testing environment, scribe assistance, and use of a computer
- Priority seating and/or furniture modification (e.g. adjustable height table)
- Note-taking assistance and copies of lecture slides
- Lab assistant
- Extended deadlines for lengthy assignments
- Assistive computer technology (e.g. Dragon Naturally Speaking)
Resources:
- DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) - DO-IT is an organization based at the University of Washington, Seattle that works to empower people with disabilities through technology and education.