when your instructor is handicapped in a motorized chair.
What techniques could be used for the handicapped individual in a chair to be able to get around the room during your presentations?
I as well cannot be on my feet for long periods of time. I also use a wheeled desk chair and have a table instead of a desk that's lower than the students tables so it's easy for me to maintain interaction with the students both when I stand as well as when I have to sit.
Have the desk or tables arranged in a parallel pattern, with enough room behind each row and between the two parallel rows, to facilitate easy movement. This arrangement will enhance the learning experience for the students and provide easy access for the instructor.
I know that you said that classroom space was limited, making it harder for you to navigate through the room. Can you bring the students to you?
When I taught in a disabled classroom, we always tried to make everyone feel comfortable and tried to put everyone in the same light. As such, we would rearrange our room occasionally and do a half-circle type setting. This approach puts everyone on the same level and brings everyone out from behind the desks.
Is this something that might work in your classroom?
Although I do not use a motorized chair at this time, there are days that being on my feet for any length is time can be a problem. On those days, I do my best to place a wheeled desk chair in a position where I can have eye contact with all the students in the room. This has worked well for me. Also, I often have arranged to have one on one interaction with students at my desk when I am not able to be very mobile.
Wow! Sounds like very interactive, practical and relevant classes (I always ran the other way when MA's approached me wanting an arm or leg for practice - just kidding)
Thanks,
Jay
Yes I do many demonstrations and interactions with students in the medical field. We practice medical and return demonstrations of those skills. I have them do projects on different medical conditions to present to the class on education of patients. Thank you. for your replies.
Hi Elizabeth!
I am so sorry that I misread your question. Though sitting at the desk, as you noted, is not the preferred method, I know that, as an instructor, you engage your students and draw them in through your communication skills. Since maneuverability is a challenge, can you have points in time during presentation or activites where students can come to you?
Best regards,
Jay Hollowell
I was really talking about me - I use a chair - I am not able to maneuver around the classroom due to size - I can walk some - so I do when I can - I know just sitting at my desk is not the preferred method. Thank your for your response.
Hi Elizabeth! Thanks for your excellent question. I have found in working with individuals in a wheelchair, both in the classroom and training room, to, of course, make sure there is navigable room in the aisles, around seats, tables, etc.; with limited space, and when varying my presentation to include activities, I try to be sensitive to any special need and adjust so that there may not have to be a lot of extra moving around. I think the most important things are to not draw attention to any adjustments or limit the independence in any way. With the exception of some mobility challenges, as you know, students utilizing wheelchairs are just part of the class makeup.
Jay Hollowell
Center for Excellence in Education
