one-on-one with non-ambulatory student
Hello! I am a parapro working in Little Rock,AR. I work one-on-one with a wheelchair user with CP. He is a 14 year old 9th grader. He likes to be independet, but when given that freedom he becomes overly independent. I feel like he takes advantage of his disabilty. He sometimes does not go straight to class or tries to run people over with his wheelchair on purpose unless he has someone always next to him. Also,as a brand new high schooler, he is starting to become embarrassed by having an aide follow him around, taking him to the barthroom, etc. He has even started to roll away from me when I am next to him in the hall. What do I do to help him be as normal as possible when he won't cooperate because when he is acting up it makes me look bad? Also, how can I do my job with out belittling him?
His mother feels he will need assistance the rest of his life and I dont think that the student has accepted this.
embarrassed student!
Dear aomilton:
I agree with Kathy...the student is responsible for his behavior, you are responsible for your behavior!
The student needs to feel the consequences of his action. Using his wheelchair to run into other students is not related to his disability nor is not arriving to class on time... consequences just like any other student. A couple of detention may be the medicine your student needs! Talk to his case manager/lead teacher, asst. principal or principal about disclipine. Personally, I would ask for a meeting between his case manager, the student, yourself and asst. principal and/or principal (whoever hands out consequences) and lay it on the line for the student. Explain to the student if he does this; this is what happens and stick to it. I think you will see a improvement soon!
Also, hallway problem -- Our wheelchair student (11th grader) has a friend walk with him between classes...his aide meets him in the class , at the elevator, or hangs back in the hallway. We're talking 11th grader opposed to a freshmen, I know; but if he understands the consequences are there; hopefully, his behavior will improve.
Remember, your job should not be based on the student's behavior but on the way you perform your job...do you have a job outline? I alway say, "My job is to work myself out of job...there will always be students following behind."
Cathie
Educational Asst.
High school level
Thank you. I would love to
Thank you. I would love to hear more stories about working with wheelchair students.
Ashley
Paraprofessional
Little Rock, AR
Try shadowing more rather
Try shadowing more rather than being right next to him all of the time. Give him some space, but at the same time be available if needed.
Most importantly, do not take his behavior personally. Try to stop feeling like if he acts bad you look bad. I know its not easy but it is really important to detach yourself. He is responsible for his behavior, not you.
Trying to run over people with his wheelchair should be addressed by whoever disciplines in your school. Just like if another student body slammed or continually tried to push another student into a wall. What would their consequences be? Who would handle it? Teacher? Principal? They should also be the person dealing with the student you work with.
Good luck!
Kathy
For aomilton
Working with a student who is wheelchair bound is no different than any of the other student who really doesn't want us around. At 14, he so wants to be seen as one of the kids, even with the running over others. I'd have a talk with him when you're alone and explain what your job because it is your job and you have responsibilities that you are paid to do. You're not there to bug him; you're doing your job. You might talk about coming to some understanding with him about your and his expectations, noting that his actions will be dealt with, disabilities not withstanding. No student would not have repercussions if they tried to run someone down. And then just do your job. Lots of our kids don't want us around. But, heck, our own kids would have rather we weren't around much of the time. Good luck!
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