Lesson Length : 15 minutes
Physical disabilities can have a wide range of effects on the body and does not necessarily mean that the individual is a wheelchair user. It is important that individuals, especially children and young adults are supported and encouraged to be as active as possible in their day to day life. Position changes throughout the day, especially for those who do use a wheelchair, are extremely important because it can prevent symptoms such as fatigue, discomfort, muscle tightness and has a lot of added benefits.
Instructions:
First read through the provided strategies first about how to provide physical support to children. Then read each scenario and write down what you may do in each one to provide support. Lastly, watch the video for an example of how to appropriately assist someone.
There is a group of kids playing on a park structure, and a child in a wheelchair is off to the side. How can you make sure that all of the children are included?
A counselor can go up to the child in the wheelchair and ask if they would like to join the rest of the kids on the swing. The child may be apprehensive about joining, especially if they are not sure if they can do it. Phrases such as “If you want to join, I can help you onto the swing and I won’t leave until you are done” can help reassure that if they do get on to the swing, they won’t be stuck when they are done playing. Then, if the child wants to join the kids on the swing, use some of the strategies above to appropriately help them out of their chair and onto the swing.
How would you help a child who is sitting on the couch transfer to standing in their walker?
If the child expresses that they want to get up from the couch, you could help them by providing a stable object to hold on to. Or if the child needs more assistance than that, you could have them hold onto your hands and help them transfer to their walker by assisting them into a standing position and guiding them to their walker.
Pause & Reflect: