Mobility Impairment

Overview

Mobility impairments can have a wide range of causes and can be permanent, temporary or intermittent. Permanent conditions can include: partial or total paralysis, amputation or severe spinal injury, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, back injury, head injury, and severe arthritis.

Some people with respiratory and cardiac diseases may also have impaired mobility.

These conditions can impair strength, speed, endurance, co-ordination and dexterity.

Effects of the condition

Inability to walk;
May only be able to walk short distances;
May need to use a wheelchair, crutches, calipers, walking frames, or walking sticks;
May need to have a personal attendant to assist with personal care;
May move slowly and need frequent rest breaks;
May have associated conditions (i.e. extreme fatigue, pressure sores, etc);
Difficulty or inability to utilise inaccessible rooms and buildings;
May experience pain and/or spasms;
May take medication for pain or to relax muscles.

Appropriate Adjustments in the Tertiary Education Environment

As each student will have different needs, it is important to negotiate these needs on an individual basis. The following is a list of adjustments that may assist the student:

General

The university has a 'Mobility vehicle' to assist students move around campus. this bus can be accessed through the Student Support Centre (Disability);
It is important to ensure that the rooms are accessible to all students in the class. If a student in the class cannot access the nominated room, than a room change will be necessary. The Physical Planning and Estates, Space Manager will be able to assist you to find an appropriate room;
Ask if assistance is required rather than assuming e.g., when holding the door open, carrying objects, providing assistance with library books etc;
When talking one to one with a student who uses a wheelchair, where possible put yourself in a position to maintain level eye contact;
Make book and reading lists available prior to the commencement of lectures (preferably at least two weeks prior to the commencement of the semester);
Provide students with chapter outlines or study guides. These should also be available at least two weeks prior to the commencement of semester;
Where possible, provide any written work in electronic format - either in an accessible format on the web, or on disk. This allows the student to reproduce the material in alternative formats (i.e., large print, alternative colour print and background, via screen readers);
If possible, meet with the student prior to, or early in the semester. Discuss the students needs and attempt to accommodate these needs in lectures and assessment criteria.

Lecture / class room adjustments

The student may need a freestanding table and possibly an ergonomic chair;
Use a variety of teaching methods (e.g., use overheads, videos, handouts, study sheets, group participation, Q&A);
Have print copies of overheads available for students prior to the commencement of lectures;
Repeat and rephrase important points;
Speak clearly and face the students whenever talking;
Always verbalise any points that are either written on the board or put up on overheads;
Use a microphone whenever the equipment is provided;
Tape lectures and place in the library so students are able to copy;
Whenever new processes or procedures are introduced, or whenever directions are given, ensure that stages or sequences are made clear and are explained verbally as well as in written format;
Present information on a range of formats - handouts, worksheets, overheads, videos, using diagrams, lists, flow charts, etc;
Have regular breaks in long lectures - this will assist to prevent 'information overload';
Avoid putting the student on the spot by targeting them for questions or reading aloud in class - unless the student has indicated their willingness to participate (i.e. raised hand etc);
Be flexible in relation to 'participation' in tutorials. The student be feel fatigued and may avoid participating in discussions during tutorials;
Supply comprehensive lecture notes;
At the beginning of each lecture, outline the key points that will be raised in the lecture reiterate these and at the conclusion of the lecture;
Try and make sure there is good lighting in the lecture theatre/class room. If possible adjust blinds to ensure there is no glare on the board or where overheads are being projected;
Attempt to keep extraneous sound and visual stimuli to a minimum;
The student may need to stand, walk around or even lie down, allow this without drawing attention to the student. The student will usually do this so as to attract as little attention to themselves as possible. If you feel that this causes a disruption in class, quietly after class discuss the issue with the student so that a satisfactory arrangement for all can be made;
Absence or lateness may be caused by transportation problems, inclement weather, waiting for lifts, lift or wheelchair breakdown.

Assignments

Be flexible with deadlines and extensions;
Provide clear feed back to the student both verbally and in writing;
Consider negotiating an individual learning program for students with a mobility impairment. This can include:
- Flexible deadlines for assignments to take into account the effects of their disability and the requirements of other subjects;
- Alternative marking arrangements such as allowing the student to hand in a 'draft' for comment prior to submitting their final paper;
- Consider setting alternative assignments (of commensurate level) where a student can work on a few selected texts rather than having to read copious amounts of text.

Examinations

Allow extra time in formal exams, school based exams and class tests;
Allow the student to complete oral exams;
Avoid multiple choice questions - particularly when there are only slight variations in the answer options;
Allow the student to use a PC;
If the student requires natural or non fluorescent lighting, make sure there is an appropriate room available;
The student may need a private room;
The student may require a split exam;
Keep examination instructions clear and short. Use simple language. Avoid jargon unless it is crucial to the inherent requirements of the exam;
Allow time for rest breaks;
Allow the student to take in food, drink and medication if required;
The student may need to leave the room - allow this and if necessary have an invigilator accompany them.

* Remember: Alternative Adjustments, is about providing the opportunity for equality, not the attainment of a particular outcome. A student with a disability is still required to present work that is of a recognised standard. Providing flexibility in the process of learning does not mean that the subject standards are lowered.

Mobility Impairment

Disability Support Services

Mobility Impairment

Overview

Effects of the condition

Appropriate Adjustments in the Tertiary Education Environment

General

Lecture / class room adjustments

Assignments

Examinations

Useful Websites and Resources