Tips on working with students with physical disabilities transcript

Narrator: Meet Rashad. Rashad is a typical 16-year-old boy. He loves to listen to music and spends all of his free time perfecting his shot on the basketball court. He is also a great disc thrower. Rashad has a goal to play wheelchair basketball in college, and with his 6 foot wing span, he is a top prospect. Today is fitness testing at Rashad’s school. Like some teenage boys that I know, he may try to use his disability to get out of doing a certain activity. Will Rashad’s teacher let him play the wheelchair card? 

Teacher: Hey, Rashad. How you doing this morning? 

Rashad: Good, how are you, Coach? 

Teacher: Hey, pretty good, man, you get a good nights sleep? 

Rashad: I did. 

Teacher: All right, you have a good breakfast?

Rashad: I did. 

Teacher: All right, well we're doing exercise testing today, so come on in.

Rashad: [audible sigh] 

Teacher: All right, so first thing is first, we're going to do some push ups.

Rashad:  I don’t think I can really do those push ups, Coach, cause of the wheelchair... 
Teacher: Ah, that's okay man, I looked it up. We're going to have some adaptations. It's going to be a piece of cake. 

Rashad: All right. 

Teacher: So first things first, hop on up there.

Narrator: Great job teacher! Way to identify his ability level and adapt accordingly. You should be ready for your students too!
Here are some tips to remember when working with a student who has a physical disability. There are a wide range of degrees and causes of physical disabilities. It is important to consider the ability level of each individual. One child who has spina bifida may have none of the same characteristics as another child who has spina bifida. Handle each student and situation individually.
Many people who have a physical disability use a mobility device to get around. This could be a wheelchair, walker, or cane. It is important to remember that a mobility device, especially when it is in use, should be considered an extension of the user’s body. Never push someone who uses a chair, or move a student’s cane without first asking permission. It is also important that all students understand these rules. As shiny and fun as a wheelchair may seem, it is not a toy, and should never be played with. Remember, a person’s mobility device is his or her primary means of transportation and it should always be easily accessible.
Regardless of your student with a disability’s age, you may need to consider using the basic concepts of progression when introducing different sports. For example, if your student is unsuccessful connecting a bat with the ball you may want to consider using a larger bat, putting the ball on a tee, or using a larger ball. 
Your students’ disability may affect his or her physical activity. You should be aware of his postural balance, gripping ability, muscle contractures, and spasticity. Also remember, children should be challenged to work on or improve weaknesses whenever possible. 
Some individuals with certain disabilities may be predisposed to have a latex allergy, which can be very serious. Some activity equipment may contain latex, and care needs to be taken to provide latex free options. Examples of equipment that may contain latex are exercise bands, gripping tape for tennis rackets and baseball bats, balloons, and more. 
For even more information on disability awareness check out our website at nchpad.org or you can email us with any specific questions you have at email@nchpad.org. Thanks for watching!