Dear __________________________,
I just wanted to take the time to tell you to have an awesome
summer and give you some tips to dealing with middle school!!! I am really
proud of all you have accomplished and you will be great! The biggest thing is
to advocate for yourself. And
if/when you need help, please don’t be afraid to ask. School can be a
challenging place for a student who uses a wheelchair or walker. There are all kinds of
unexpected barriers such changes to the cafeteria set up, tables and desks that suddenly appear that won't allow a wheelchair in between.
It's important to use these challenges as learning experiences in becoming an
independent adult. Wishing you the best!!!
Sincerely,
Ms. Becca, OT
Managing School Supplies
- strapping a large backpack onto the front of you using the seatbelt to hold it can work for carrying bulky items
- a sling under the seat between the wheels and a smaller backpack behind you to carry big items
- Ask for an extra set of school textbooks to keep at home.
- If you have a locker, make sure you can get into it easily
Navigating the Classroom
and School Building
- Make sure there is enough room to get around all of the furniture and that you can reach everything
- Request an orientation before school starts to figure out how to get from one class to another.
- Get access to an elevator key to go from one floor to another if needed
- Talk with your teachers to see if you need to leave class a few minutes early and have a few minutes' grace period to arrive at your next class
Emergency and Safety
- Find out what the plan is in a fire or emergency drill - Like if you are on the second floor and can't use the elevator for evacuation
Restroom Accommodations
- Find all the bathrooms that are accessible for you.
- Carry bathroom supplies in your backpack.
Support Staff
- Have the physical therapist or occupational therapist make sure that whatever desk you have is the appropriate height for you
- And that you have reasonable space to enter and exit the classroom.
- Check in with your teachers or therapist with any issues that arise
