PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
The term physical disabilities encompasses a wide variety of conditions
that may affect a student's mobility, stamina, and/or functioning.
Common causes of physical disabilities are:
- Conditions or injuries that result in limited function, paralysis,
or amputation
- Disorders such as arthritis, cerebral palsy, active sickle cell
disease, multiple sclerosis, or muscular dystrophy
- Respiratory or cardiac diseases
These conditions not only impair mobility, but also may affect
the students' strength, speed, endurance, coordination, and dexterity.
The nature and extent of physical disabilities vary with individuals.
Some physical disabilities are invisible but, nevertheless, have
a profound effect on a student's ability to perform. Invisible conditions
include those that cause chronic fatigue or pain, such as lupus,
Epstein-Barr, rheumatoid arthritis, heart conditions, asthma and
other health impairments. Students with these diseases may fluctuate
in their ability to meet the demands of an academic setting. One
day they are able to function fully without any special considerations,
another day they may require bed rest or even hospitalization.
Students with hand function limitations may have difficulty getting
in and out of classrooms and buildings or performing course activities
requiring manual dexterity and writing. Students whose disabilities
are limited to their lower bodies need fewer accommodations related
to academic requirements. The classroom environment, however, may
require some modification in order for these students to participate
in all aspects of the course.
TEACHING STUDENTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
A primary concern in the education of students with physical disabilities
is the elimination or modification of physical barriers. Mesa State
College has put considerable effort into identifying and removing
architectural barriers. Instructors, however, may still be able to
identify physical impediments within specific classrooms or buildings.
These can be reported to the Educational Access Services office.
Classroom Environment:
Students who use wheelchairs, walkers, braces, crutches, or who fatigue
easily have difficulty getting from place to place within the time
constraints imposed by college schedules. Tardiness or absences may
be due to frequent illness, weather, transportation problems, elevator
malfunction, or wheelchair breakdown.
Students with impaired mobility should be fully integrated into classroom
activities. The use of a wheelchair or walker does not mean the student
must be positioned in a doorway, side aisle, or the back of the classroom.
Even in classrooms with fixed seating, a desk can be removed to accommodate
a student in a wheelchair. Contact the Educational Access Services
office to arrange for such classroom modifications.
Students with physical disabilities need advance notice of any requirements
for fieldwork. They require time to make special arrangements for
transportation, equipment, or aides.
Testing and Evaluation:
- Students with hand function limitations or chronic fatigue may
require additional time for tests and written assignments.
- Students may need a scribe or a tape recorder to respond to
tests. Special testing situations can be arranged through the
Educational Access Services office.
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