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Modifications for

Physical Special Needs

in the School Environment

.

DisabilityThe Basics

Ask Before You HelpBe Sensitive about Physical ContactThink Before you SpeakDon’t Make AssumptionsRespond Graciously To Requests

Roles of

Physical Therapist o Mobilityo Accessibility/Building/Trips/etc.o Seating/Positioningo Gym and Playground

Mobility

Mobility

Mobility

Mobility

Mobility

Mobility

Mobility

Accessibility:Buildings, Bathrooms, Trips, etc.

Seating and Positioning

Seating and Positioning

Gym and Playground

Role of Occupational Therapy

ManipulationAccessibility to learning PositioningSelf-care Adaptive aids

Manipulation

Accessibility to Learning

Positioning

Environmental Modifications875-INCH RUBBER THRESHOLD RAMP (MODEL TWRW.87

5) 875-INCH RUBBER THRESHOLD RAMP (MODEL TWRW.875) The . 875-Inch Rubber Threshold Ramp, model TWRW.875, is an accessible threshold designed for use by individuals with mobility disabilities or spinal cord injury. This rubberized, non-slip mat covers low-rise thresholds to provide access for wheelchairs and scooters.

[More Information]

Self-care

Adaptive AidsTTY (teletypewriter)This device, available from local telephone companies, provides a way for persons with deafness to communicate via the phone. The individual types to send a message and then reads the responses in order to engage in a conversation. A relay service is available if both parties do not have a TTY.

Adaptive AidsTHE FIRST" TALKING MICROWAVE OVEN

"The First" Talking Microwave Oven is a voice output microwave oven designed for use by persons who are blind or have low vision. This 1000-watt oven provides spoken confirmation of all functions and cooking times when selected. A talking kitchen timer and talking clock are independent of the oven. [More Information]

Case Scenerio- If you are a middle school teacher with a new wheelchair bound student starting in your classroom. What changes to the below classroom set up would you make to make the classroom wheelchair accessible?

Evaluate the below environment for accessibility

Evaluate the below classroom in accessibility for students with physical and visual

disabilities

Break

Checklist Review

Relating Learning Styles to Culture“Traditionally, we've viewed the term diversity in

terms of gender and race, but more and more, we're realizing that it involves much, much more. We're talking about not just the notions of race, we're talking about language and linguistics, we're talking about learning disability, different kinds of unique learning style, we're also talking about different kinds of families and what that means in the classroom.” Brenda Rodriguez

Brenda Rodriguez, interim director for the Chicago Public Schools project of the Center for School and Community Development at North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, discusses the challenges educators face in thinking about diversity in the classroom. Excerpted from a videotaped interview with Brenda Rodriguez (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, 1998).

The Rationale Behind Relating the Differences in

Traditional and Functional Learners to Culture Culture is a familiar framework to use in

understanding the differences of othersCultural diversity encourages acceptance of

differences with less expectation for conformityRecognizing & identifying an issue allows for open

discussion regarding the issueCultural framework may assist regular education

providers in advancing the inclusion process and the learning styles of functional learners

Using cultural references to learning styles may increase the comfort level and dialogue regarding issues surrounding inclusion

Self-Awareness of CultureBrenda Rodriguez (1998)

Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of educators having cultural self-awareness.

Acknowledge and value one’s own culture Increase awareness of our own learning styles, strengths,

weaknesses, biases, goals, and emotionsEvaluate our own culture in relation to others during cross-

cultural interactionsLearn to become more comfortable with conflict related to

cultureLearn to appreciate thought processes from other cultures

and how meanings may be interpreted differently among different cultures

Self- Awareness Exploration ExerciseBowers & Flinders (1990) reported teachers need to become more aware of how their own cultural biases

influence their response to student performance and impact student learning ability

1. Do you associate physical disabilities with a learning disability?

2. Do you treat students in your class differently than non disabled students?

3. Do you make attempts at increasing understanding of needs of physically disabled students?

4. Do you feel comfortable in how you interact with students with physical disabilities?

5. Do you have past experiences with people with physical disabilities that either helps or hinders your effectiveness in your present teaching?

6. Do you tend to avoid people with physical disabilities?

• Important thoughts to Remember

• People with physical disabilities want to be treated like everyone else

• Wheelchairs should offer freedom to students if the environment is accessible

The Transdisciplinary Approach

This approach relies on team members sharing roles and crossing discipline boundaries. The primary purpose of this approach is to collaborate and integrate the expertise of team members providing a more efficient provision of service. Open and regular communication in a give and take manner between all members (including parents) on a regular, planned basis is essential. All disciplines teach, learn, and work together to accomplish a common set of goals for a child and her family. Assessment, intervention, and evaluation are carried out jointly by designated members of the team. This team approach usually decreases the number of professionals who need to interact with the child on a daily basis because all staff are aware of the goals that need to be addressed. (Bruder, 1994)

Brainstorming ideas Sharing classroom issuesSelf-awareness issuesReflection Professional development needsTeam collaboration ideas/issuesParent involvementAdministrative support

The Only True Disability Is A Bad

Attitude

Scott Hamilton