Adapted PE
Category: Wheelchair Users

I have a student that is in the fifth grade and uses an electronic wheelchair. My class size is 45 and i am the only teacher. The main problem is that he cannot move his body from the neck down. The wheelchair is moved with his neck and can barely hold anything in his mouth. Very intelligent boy and he would like to come to p.e but how do I include him? I'm doing cup stacking and wanted something for his mouth to see if he could move them, in tag games I can put a foam arm on the chair and he can tag the other students. He also he has an educational aide.

Since he plays tag I assume he is able to manipulate his power chair using a head control switch of some kind. So, here is a thought for a cup stacking unit - one student stacks - he has to knock them down - like builders/bulldozers - using his head and or pool noodle. Another thought would be to create or build a large tower of cups (cooperative activity) and he has to "drive through it" and knock it down.

Another idea for cup stacking could be to have the student talks his blindfolded (eyes closed) peers through stacking a three stack, six stack, or other related task.

Another idea is to have the students play power soccer, using wheelchairs and a kin ball. Since accuracy with power chair is a "lifetime" skill - consider creating pathways with bubble wrap at corners where he has to turn - if he runs over the bubble wrap (POP) he will hear it and get immediate feedback as to his mobility/accuracy.

Last modified date: 9/13/2010

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