Assistive Technology for Positioning and Mobility

For progress to be made within the general education curriculum, physically disabled

students require services for accessibility to the school's physical environment, general

education curriculum, extracurricular activities.

The general education curriculum is accessible by:  positioning, wheelchair design, and

mobility aids.

When the IEP team is considering AT it is important to determine how the student will

be positioned.  Proper positioning helps with muscle tone, visual efficiency, postural

support, and compensates for physical deficits.

The Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist should be a member of the IEP team

for students requiring positioning and mobility devices.

Where the equipment will be utilized is an important determination for acquiring AT for

the student. 

Adaptive equipment should allow students to socialize in a normal setting with their

peers.  The devices shouldn't draw attention to the student or make them feel

uncomfortable.

Did you know something as simple as a beanbag can be used as a positioning aid?

Mobility aids have a primary goal to provide the student with the most independence and

best quality of movement in the most efficient way. 

Self-directed mobility expands a student's opportunity to interact with their physical and

social environments.

One size does not fit all when considering mobility aids for

students.

Many factors must be taken into account such as the student's age,

abilities, endurance, home life, social and work environments,

funding abilities, school placement, and individual preferences.

To select the most appropriate mobility aid, you must begin by

receiving input from the student, the PT, OT, doctors, parents,

siblings, and teachers.