Defining mobility disability:

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA):

There are thirteen disabilities IDEA lists– students with mobility disabilities are categorically placed under Orthopedic Impairments. A student under this definition has a physical condition that seriously impairs mobility or motor activity. These disabilities are to be accommodated for if they are adversely affecting the education of the student. In the 2006-2007 school year, 126,654 3 to 21-year-old students were served under IDEA (source). It is approximated that 7.1% of the students served under IDEA have physical have physical disabilities or other health impairments (Mastropieri & Scruggs).

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA):

Of the ADA documents I've read, none have specifically defined "disability" but rather clarify the civil rights of a citizen with disabilities. Disability.gov, a government website dedicated to providing disability-related information and resources summarizes ADA:

"The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantees equal opportunity for people with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications."

Mastropieri & Scruggs (The Inclusive Classroom):

In their book, The Inclusive Classroom, Mastropieri and Scruggs expand how mobility disabilities are defined and served within IDEA. These physical disabilities can be from moderate to severe and exist permanently or temporarily. Some of the more common physical disabilities are cerebral palsy, epilepsy, spina bifida, scoliosis, and muscular dystrophy. Along with diseases, traumatic brain injury from accidents can cause physical disabilities.

Physical disabilities are also often referred to by what part of the body is affected. These most common terms are:

Quadriplegia: both arms and legs are impaired.

Paraplegia: paralysis of the lower body.

Hemiplegia: paralysis of one side of the body.

Most students with physical disabilities will need to rely on assistive mobility devices such as motorized wheelchairs, braces, canes, and crutches.

Now that we have a working definition of our student body, how does one approach teaching in an accessible, self-empowering way?