Mobility Impairment

There are many types of orthopedic or neuromuscular impairments that can impact mobility. These include but are not limited to amputation, paralysis, Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Arthritis, and spinal cord injury. Mobility impairments range from lower body impairments, which may require use of canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, to upper body impairments which may include limited or no use of the upper extremities and hands. It is impossible to generalize about the functional abilities of students with mobility impairments due to the wide variety of types disabilities and specific diagnoses.

DEALING WITH MOBILITY IMPAIRMENT STUDENTS:

Students with mobility impairments include:

• Accessible locations for classrooms, labs, and field trips.
• Wide aisles and uncluttered work areas.
• Adjustable height and tilt tables.
• All equipment located within reach.
• When designing an activity or constructing necessary equipment, be on the lookout for alternative methods of display, manipulation, or presentation.
• Physically impaired students will, quite naturally, be frustrated at not being able to do everything the other students can accomplish. Be sure to take some time periodically to talk with those students and help them get their feelings and/or frustrations out in the open. Help the child understand that those feelings are natural but also that they need to be discussed periodically.