What Teachers Should Know A student's mobility can be limited due to disease, injuries, or birth defects. Conditions like spinal cord injuries, head injuries, amputations, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, and cerebral palsy also can limit mobility. Mobility may be limited in the lower body, upper body, or both. Students with limited mobility may: use splints, casts, leg braces, canes, crutches, walkers, or wheelchairs need extra time, as well as help, moving around classrooms, between classes, and throughout school may be late to class due to problems getting around miss class time to do occupational therapy or physical therapy use assistive technology to help with writing and other activities need extra time to complete assignments need special seats and desks or tables, and extra space for wheelchairs or other equipment need other students or a scribe to take notes for them; or have class lectures, discussions, and activities recorded via video or audio have specific accommodations listed in individualized education programs (IEP) or 504 education plans What Teachers Can Do Many students who depend on equipment to improve their mobility need to learn how to use it in many different situations in school and at home. For some, this can be challenging and frustrating. You may need to alter the classroom environment, revise your teaching strategies, and make other changes. The accommodations you make for your students will depend on the specific impairment and the classroom environment. Make sure the classroom is easy to get around and free of obstacles. Encourage your students to ask for help when needed and to plan their routines and tasks ahead of time. Have an evacuation plan ready in case of fire drills or emergencies so all students can leave the classroom quickly and safely. Make sure students with mobility issues are included in all classroom activities and any field trips. Transportation should be accessible to all students. Back to Articles Related Articles Steven's Story: Power Player Meet Steven. He's 14 and has spinal muscular atrophy. He shares his struggles and successes in this video. Read More Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Steven's Story (Video) A teen athlete talks about why he won't let his condition take him out of the game. Read More Wheelchairs Wheelchairs are a way for some people to be independent, despite illnesses or injuries. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More Kids With Special Needs Lots of kids have special needs. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More Going to a Physical Therapist Physical therapy uses exercises and other special treatments to help people move their bodies. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More Going to an Occupational Therapist Occupational therapy helps children overcome obstacles to be as independent as possible. Learn more about OT. Read More Muscular Dystrophy Muscular dystrophy is a disorder that weakens a person's muscles over time. People who have the disease can gradually lose the ability to do everyday tasks. Read More Cerebral Palsy Cerebral palsy is one of the most common developmental disabilities in the United States. It affects a person's ability to move and coordinate body movements. Read More Broken Bones What happens when you break a bone? Read More Casts Casts keep bones and other tissues in place while they heal. Here's what to expect, and how to care for casts. Read More Strains and Sprains Sprains and strains are common injuries, especially for people who play hard or are into sports. Find out what they are and how to recuperate from one. Read More Spina Bifida Spina bifida is a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord or its coverings. It's usually detected before a baby is born and treated right away. Read More Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) Some kids may be eligible for individualized education programs in public schools, free of charge. Understanding how to access these services can help you be an effective advocate for your child. Read More 504 Education Plans If your child has special needs in the classroom, he or she may be eligible for a government-supported learning plan. Read More Camps for Kids With Special Needs There are many camp choices for kids with special needs. From highly specialized camps to regular camps that accommodate kids with special needs, options abound. Read More Casts This article for teens has tips on taking care of a cast so it keeps working as it should. Read More Broken Bones Bones are tough stuff - but even tough stuff can break. Find out what happens when a bone fractures. Read More Casts Some injuries will heal best if a cast is used. Find out how they work and how to take care of them in this article for kids. Read More Cerebral Palsy Factsheet (for Schools) What teachers should know about cerebral palsy, and teaching strategies to help students with CP succeed in school. Read More Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Steven's Story (Video) Steven was diagnosed with SMA when he was 3. Here's a look at his life today and why he says, "When someone tells you you can't do something, don't be afraid to try something new." Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.