Children Wheelchair

Do any parents with children in wheelchairs take their kids out for group art classes? What has worked well, and what hasn't?

Thanks.

Art class is an ideal activity while a child in a wheelchair. There are a few factors, of course.

Most obvious is that the facility need to be accessible. If the class is at a public school or similar location, this shouldn't be an issue. However, it's worth checking the property.

Second, there are types of art that are going to be more difficult. For example, pottery may require the use of an adapted wheel. Most pottery studios or schools will not necessarily have this.

Third, the actual art areas may not be easy to navigate or use. Even where an art room is accessible, it may be hard to reach a work area, which may be higher than a standard desk. Most kids classes, however, will likely use standard sized tables and therefore this shouldn't be an issue.

Last, you mention "group." If the idea is for multiple kids to participate in the same physical artwork, it may be difficult for a child in a wheelchair to reach. However, I expect that this shouldn't be an issue as long as the teacher is on the watch for ways for your child to participate.

All in all, this seems like a good idea. Must easier for a child in a wheelchair than a group sport, say.

2009-01-07 09:20:57 by RK

Physical therapist caballeros explains how the Hope Haven Kidchair adapts to the child's needs. Hope Haven Guatemala manufactures the Hope ...

Hi there. We are looking into possibly adopting a child who uses a wheelchair. It would be a domestic adoption. What would we have to do to our home in terms of accessibility to pass our home study? Thanks for any advice.

I'm not sure about a home study, but my sister is in a wheelchair, and there are a few things that we needed in our home, and that you should remember to be sensitive to your child.

First, and obviously, ramps are crucial. Please be sensitive, and realize that if there is a part of your house that is functional (like a family room or rec room), make it accessible. It is very difficult to have limited mobility and it is worse to be isolated from parts of your own home.

Doorways. Very old homes sometimes have narrow doorways that wheelchairs can't fit through. Some chairs also have different types of wheels that are at different angles, making them wider. Please check a local medical supply store for the maximum width on a wheelchair.

Depending on the age and size of the child, check on your toilet seats. We had to have toilet seats that were higher up, and then we had a bar next to our toilet seat so that she could pull herself out of her chair. It will depend also whether the child is a paraplegic or a quadraplegic.

Also make sure that they are able to sit in a regular chair at the table if they choose. My sister is a paraplegic, and resents when people in restaurants, or at other people's homes, take away her chair, assuming she wants to remain in her wheelchair. She prefers to move from her wheelchair to a regular chair at the table. Make sure they have a seat at the table on the "outside" of the table.

Make sure that a bathroom is accessible from where they sleep. It takes them a long time to get situated in a bathroom, so it helps to at least have it a little closer if possible

There's plenty more I could tell you, but it would depend on the age and severity of the needs. Good luck, and if you have any other questions, let me know. :-)

2009-08-13 10:37:52 by AO

Price: $14.95

i am pregant and in a wheelchair and am looking for a pram that can attach to pram so that i can push myself and child

I researched and here are some sites which may be helpful to you: http://www.thewheelchairsite.com/blogs/w heelchair_recreation/archive/2006/07/31/ 96213.aspx

http://www.thewheelchairsite.com/blogs/w heelchair_recreation/default.aspx

2007-05-08 07:37:57 by yconwayie

well im in a wheelchair, kinda scared to start a family, dont know how id go, how did you go? experiences? how was the labour and all that??

Not me, but i just wanted to say i think you should go for it. Of course it'll be a challenge but hey parenting is anyway.I hope you get the info your looking for. Good luck

2008-04-07 23:47:06 by boo

u dont. unless u put it waist heighth (for you) so they can wheel up to it and play while they are in their wheelchairs.

2008-04-28 17:30:39 by jerry frid