When we think of physical disabilities, we often think of those that are easily recognizable like mobility impairments where people use assistive devices such as a walker, a cane, crutches, or a wheelchair.
However, physical difficulties are not always visible as they stem from a broad range of neuromuscular, systemic, or orthopedic conditions which create a variety of symptoms. People with physical disabilities might, for example, have challenges with specific body movements, or decreased stamina and endurance, or they may be unable to sleep, breathe, or speak easily.
Certain physical disabilities can be very limiting and a person with such disability might require significant support. Other physical disabilities are mild and with appropriate strategies or assistive technology a person can be extremely independent.
Since physical disabilities manifest themselves in various ways and degrees, an understanding of appropriate responses to them will be varied and only known through open communication. The student with the disability is always the best source of information about the nature of the disability and resulting limitations.
Helpful Strategies for Students with Physical Disabilities
- Before the semester begins, identify the educational tasks that might be challenging. Will typing be difficult? Holding a book? Sitting for long periods of time? Going up and down stairs or walking on uneven ground at the residency? Research strategies that will be helpful for accomplishing challenging tasks.
- Decide how much you wish to disclose about your disability and to whom.
- If disability accommodations are needed, contact the Academic & Disability Support (ADS) coordinator to begin the process for documenting a disability.
- Check out assistive technology devices that might reduce strain on painful joints or muscles, such as ergonomic computer tools or voice recognition software.
- Visit campus ahead of the residency to identify potential mobility challenges. Campus services staff on the Plainfield, VT campus and Port Townsend, WA residency site can provide information about nearby hotels or bed & breakfasts if you wish to visit before the residency happens.
- • Will you need assistance in an emergency evacuation? Be sure to let the ADS coordinator know.
- • Will you need to bring assistive devices to facilitate mobility during the residency such as a cane or wheelchair?
- • Will you need to bring a personal assistant? Be sure to let the Plainfield, VT campus services staff or the Port Townsend, WA residency office staff know if you will require an extra room for this purpose.
- Alert the Academic & Disabilities Support Office in advance if you will need access to a van with a wheelchair lift.
- Will you be bringing a service animal? Be sure to fill out the proper paperwork with the ADS coordinator.
- Consider if fatigue will play a role as you meet your study goals. Try breaking study time and tasks into shorter, smaller segments.
- Consider how weather might affect your condition.
- Allow yourself time to adjust to the new environment of the college. Eventually you will find the best routes to different residency locations.
- Notify the ADS coordinator immediately if one of the residency events you wish to attend is not accessible. The ADS coordinator can look into possible relocation of the event.
- Ask the Plainfield, VT campus services staff or Port Townsend, WA residency office staff for shuttle service or assistance at meal times if needed.
Considerations When Working With Students with Physical Disabilities
- Keep in mind that there may be a person with a hidden disability in any given group. If someone says they can’t perform a particular task, don’t push them to do it. Instead, invite partial participation, or ask what you can do to facilitate their participation.
- Be careful not to assume that a person with a physical disability automatically needs help. Unwanted assistance can be insulting. If you wish to assist someone, ask first. If given permission to assist, ask "How may I help?"
- Remember that it is not helpful to identify with a person’s disability unless you have it too and to the same extent. For example, attempting to relate to someone who can’t use stairs due to an amputation because you twisted your knee last week is inappropriate.
- People who use wheelchairs are "wheelchair users," not "confined to a wheelchair.”
- It is polite to be at eye level when conversing with someone who is using a wheelchair. Avoid leaning on the chair as the chair is part of their personal space.
- Move assistive devices such crutches, walkers, canes, or wheelchairs only with the permission of the user.
- Students with physical disabilities may benefit from a range of accommodations such as extra time, audio books, and note takers or access to lecture notes.
- Learn the location of wheelchair-accessible ramps, rest rooms, elevators, doors, water fountains, and telephones so that you may direct mobility impaired students who ask.
- Don't judge another person's pain or limitations; accept what the person is telling you.
- If your meeting space or event is inaccessible to a student, change to an accessible location.
- Students with physical disabilities may need special seating arrangements such as at the front of the classroom, near the door, in a comfortable chair, or at a table or desk that accommodates a wheelchair.
- When planning field trips or walking events, be sure appropriate transportation is available for members of your group with physical disabilities.
Selected Resources on Physical Disabilities:
Physical Disabilities: Information and Advocacy Organizations
International Center for Disability Resources on the Internet
