ORTHOPEDIC/MOBILITY DISABILITIES

A variety of mobility-related disabilities result from neuromuscular and orthopedic impairments. These disabilities may be congenital or they may be the result of an accident or illness. They may include conditions such as spinal cord injury, paralysis, cerebral palsy, severe forms of arthritis, polio/post polio, spinal bifida, orthopedic injury, amputation, cardiac conditions, cystic fibrosis, later stages of AIDS, stroke and muscular dystrophy.

The range of disabilities in this category is large. Functional abilities and limitations will vary widely, even within one disability group. Some conditions are such that the person experiences pain, spasticity or lack of coordination. In other conditions there are intermittent flare-ups (when a student might be absent from class) and periods of remission, where the student seems to have no impairment of function (e.g., multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia).

A number of students who use wheelchairs can stand but not walk. Some who use scooters or wheelchairs can walk with the aid of canes, crutches, braces, or walkers. Using a wheelchair may help these individuals conserve energy or move about more quickly. Some students who use wheelchairs have full use of their arms and hands, whereas others do not. Students with muscular and mobility impairments also may have a hearing or speech impairment (e.g., cerebral palsy). Others may tire easily. Since there are vast differences among students, even when they have similar impairments, the best judge of what the student can or cannot do is the individual.

Suggested Modifications

It may be necessary to be lenient with these students when they are occasionally late getting to class, particularly in inclement weather. Advisors and students should schedule classes whenever possible to allow extra time for getting from class to class. Also, it may be necessary to schedule classes physically close together on campus. Priority registration helps make this possible.

Many of these students will need note takers, use of lap-top word processors and/or tape recorders in class.

Most students will have no unusual difficulty with tests. Some, however, will need extra time and/or special arrangements (e.g., computer, scribe, audio-taping answers, or oral exams).

Extra time or advanced notice may be needed for assignments due to slow writing speed or medical concerns which may involve large chunks of time in doctors’ offices or hospitals.

Adjustable tables, lab benches, drafting tables, and the like may need to be made accessible for students in wheelchairs. Contact Dr. Maggie Martin, Director of Student Development, to initiate arranging placement of tables in classrooms.

When instructors intend to hold a class in a new location or go on a field trip, they should check to be sure that the new site is accessible. If the College provides transportation for field trips, it is required to provide accessible transportation.

Some students will require help manipulating tools, laboratory equipment, and/or chemicals.

An assistant or lab partner, who merely functions as the student’s hands or legs, also may be needed. The College may provide a lab assistant if warranted.

Many of the students who require accessible parking have orthopedic/mobility disorder. All personnel should show consideration for individuals who require accessible parking in order to attend classes. College personnel can help educate non-disabled students who may not realize that most people who need accessible parking are not wheelchair users. Many significant disabilities are not readily apparent.

Treat the student as you would all other students.