Wheelchair users at school  

Hi Maximax,

I hope that there is special school for the children those who
have similar problems and also I would suggest you to admit in
that school in order to avoid many more complication in the young
heart of the small kids, and also it is your responsibility to give
strong confidence and dare to your son in order to meet all the challenges
in the school as well as in the life. As I have knew that
most of the kids those who are having the similar problems would
stand in the society and would proved that they are also very talented
peoples in the society of the country.

Have a great day.

Hi Maxine,
I think that crawling around is not a good idea after nursery school. He might have problems with the other children. But maybe a wheelchair will be the envy of other children too. Leo should be learning to make use of the helps that exist to move in the world with ease.
I remember a very long time ago, when I went to school, I was unrthinkable that they would let any lefthanded write or eat with their left hand. So my father went every beginning of the school year to say that HIS daughter for lefthanded and should not be bothered because of that. I must add that my father was a doctor and very atractiveso the teachers accepted what he said.
IT would also be a good idea to have Leo at other activity while the other children are in gym. The library could be one place. But if he has an inteligent gym teacher, he might help Leo with developing stronger muscles in his arms.
A hug for all of you!

My son is in a wheelchair. They did both with him in school. They spent some time in the wheelchair and other times they did things on the floor and let him crawl around. He was not in a wheelchair until Kindergarten, but I would assume they will do the same.

Hi Maximax, He'll be just fine in those PE hours. Maybe school will let him use library in that time. You just have to ask school about it.One of my friend was unable to walk, and was using chair. He was allowed to use library during PE hours. If you develop his interest in books, internet then i'm sure this will help a lot. And he'll not be jealous as well.

Hi maximax8, I think your son have the wheel chair is the best. If he wants to get down on the floor during story time and such with the other children he will let people know.
When my son was in elementary school there were 2 boys, twins that had cerebral palsy .These boys were always in their wheel chairs. 2 of the brightest boys I might add. During gym class they were active like the other children they just did things like basketball and such from their chairs. They even played duck duck goose. Now if the activity for gym that day was something the boys just could not physically do, the staff was already aware and had the boys ready to help them do something whether it was reading to the younger children or just hanging out while a teacher graded papers. I know they helped me sell lunch tickets a couple times. Their mom volunteered a few hours a week at the school at least one day a week. She got to know the staff and the rest of us PTA moms that she knew her boys were in great hands. I understand your concerns and they are very legit. Volunteer get to know the staff and other volunteers You will see that they are all there to make every transition in your sons life an easy one. Good luck enjoy watching that baby grow.

When I was in school, there were PLENTY of wheelchair users. I was in cosmetology that worked closely alongside BEST BUDDIES [for special needs children] We would go outside and do activities, put on fashion shows in which they were the stars, we would walk them to class everyday. They were amazing people and some of the brightest kids I knew. They seemed to be the popular kids in school and NO ONE DARED to pick on them or anything like that, or they would have an army after them. There can be some harsh children, but there should not be a problem. Most kids are fascinated with wheelchairs and want to know more. They will ask a lot of questions and want to be his friend.

Hiya maximax8,

Don't worry, the school should have an anti-bullying system that prevents anyone from bullying him. When I was in primary school, we had a student that was on wheelchairs, and it was fun. Everyone loved to talk to him, and sport was the best, because in basketball, he would hug the ball while someone pushed him from behind and we would win.

Don't worry, because if you do, and don't let your child go to school, then he will never learn how to fit into society.

Cheers, nameless_

Hi Max,

I have seen schools with special needs kids that have to have wheelchairs. I have seen that the children are well accepted by other kids. I think your child might wish he could run around like the other kids, but that is where you as a parent have to be his soft cushion to fall on. He may have lots of feelings like this as he grows up, but with much love and understanding, I think he should come to understand that he may not be able to do what other kids do, but he may have skills that other kids don't have. I wish him all happiness Max.

Cookie

As I was a primary school teacher for 22 years I occasionally saw wheelchair users at school. It depened on the level of their physicasl disability as to how well they could cope in a "normal" school. Many cope extremely well and can do anything that any other child can do. With PE, I would have another child throw a ball back and forth to a wheelchair user, or perhaps play at throwing goals.
Im not experienced with a child as young as yours, so I cant say what activitioes the teachers will have for your son.
I dont whether he will want to crawl around by school age, as he will probably be used to what his limitations are.
Does your son do swimming?We have some outstanding swimmers with spina bifida.

I can't remember treating my classmate (back in the day) in a wheelchair any differently than any others. Though I think the rest of us were a little jealous that he got to use the elevator. :)