Working with Students in Wheelchairs

Published: December 1, 2014

As a teacher, you may have a student in your classroom that happens to be in a wheelchair. Of course, this student should be treated with the same care and respect as the rest of the class. However, you may need to make some changes to the room or your teaching methods to accommodate said student. When it comes to working with students in wheelchairs, we can help. Take a look at the following tips:

Assistance

Just because a student is in a wheelchair doesn’t mean that they will necessarily mean that they will require your assistance. Sure, they may need help with some tasks, but not everything. Therefore, it will be important to ask the student if they need assistance before providing it. You can even have a one on one conversation with the student of the student’s parents to understand when your assistance will be required.

Clear the Path

It will be very important that the student in the wheelchair can freely move around the classroom. Therefore, you will need to make sure that floors and pathways are clear of all materials. Ask other students to make sure that their chairs are completely pushed in and the backpacks and all school supplies are off the floor.

Avoid Special Treatment

You will want to avoid giving the student in the wheelchair special treatment (i.e. patting him or her or the head or shoulder). It’s important to remember that said student is just like everyone else — only in a wheelchair. Therefore, don’t make the student feel different, uncomfortable, or embarrassed.

Be Understanding and Supportive

When it comes to students in wheelchairs, you will want to be understanding and supportive. Try placing yourself in their shoes and then act accordingly. Plan ahead of time and be prepared to offer assistance or guidance, but only if you are asked to do so.

Talk to the Student

Above all else, don’t be afraid to talk to the student. After all, the student will know better than anyone else what he or she is capable of and not capable of doing. Working with students in wheelchairs should be just like working with students who aren’t in wheelchairs. Remember — support the student, but don’t undermine the student.