Assistive Technology 1: Wheelchair

Amongst many of the disabilities, one of the most prominent disability is the lack of mobility, in order to aid the disabled people in being able to move is the invention and use of wheelchairs.

Wheelchairs are a mobilized form of chair using two or more wheels, a footrest, and an armrest usually cushioned which allows them to gain access to mobility, postural support, and freedom to those who cannot walk or have difficulty walking. Wheelchairs are among the most significant forms of assistive technology available today. They have transformed the lives of people around the world by granting mobility, independence, and dignity to those who might otherwise be confined to limited spaces due to physical impairments. The wheelchairs have evolved from the manual traditional wheelchairs which require a lot of force to electircal wheelchairs which have further made it easier for the disabled people to live independently and live without the guilt of being a burden.

With the concept of wheelchairs, we can use wheelchairs to promote inclusive education where every student is respected, valued and supported without fear of discrimination. Accomodating people that use wheelchairs into schools can help the students to be able to live a normal life. Without a wheelchair, students might face difficulty getting to classrooms, using the school facilities or joining in group activities. The wheelchair enables students to attend lessons, participate in classroom discussions and to interact with peers without having to enroll in a special needs school. This enables children to work harder and aids in personal growth. Mobility through wheel chair allows students to engage with their environment and reduce the need for constant assistance from teachers or their family.                 

To conclude, wheelchairs are much more than just an assistive technology, it helps students to live normally like people without disabilities which in turn allows the children to live their lives to the fullest and creates an environment where accessibility, equity and inclusion is valued.