Difference between revisions of "Wheelchair Obstacle Course"

From Teampedia
Jump to: navigation, search
(Created page with "<!-- This is the Activity Template. To add your activity, enter your information below each ===Header=== and press "Save Page" For editing help see: http://www.teampedia.net/w...")
 
 
Line 7: Line 7:
  
 
===Objectives===
 
===Objectives===
For those not usually in wheelchairs, this activity can raise awareness of architectural obstacles and mobility challenges faced by wheelchair users. For those who regularly use wheelchairs, this activity offers recreation. Fundraising and philanthropy could be built into the project: e.g., entry fees could fund the donation of a wheelchair to someone who needs it, or the construction of a ramp for a community building.  
+
For those not usually in wheelchairs, this activity can raise awareness of architectural obstacles and mobility challenges faced by wheelchair users. For those who regularly use wheelchairs, this activity offers recreation. Fundraising and philanthropy could be built into the project: e.g., entry fees could fund the donation of a wheelchair to someone who needs it, or the construction of a ramp for a community building.
  
 
===Group Size===
 
===Group Size===
Line 16: Line 16:
 
===Materials===
 
===Materials===
 
Wheelchairs for participants who do not usually use them. Solicit loans from vendors, research groups, health clinics or hospitals.
 
Wheelchairs for participants who do not usually use them. Solicit loans from vendors, research groups, health clinics or hospitals.
Build a course with ramps, boxes, flags . . . various materials. Refer to resources online, including this [http://www.slideshare.net/chessarose/wheelchair-accessible-obstacle-course%20 excellent one planned, created, tested, and shared as a girl scout project].  
+
Build a course with ramps, boxes, flags . . . various materials. Refer to resources online, including this [http://www.slideshare.net/chessarose/wheelchair-accessible-obstacle-course%20 excellent one planned, created, tested, and shared as a girl scout project].
 
Alternatively, define a section of a park, playground, or city block that includes ramps, curbs, gates, and other possible obstacles.
 
Alternatively, define a section of a park, playground, or city block that includes ramps, curbs, gates, and other possible obstacles.
  
  
 
===Set Up===
 
===Set Up===
Test for safety. Train some people to be "spotters" to be able to help at difficult spots.  
+
Test for safety. Train some people to be "spotters" to be able to help at difficult spots.
 
Participants can be divided into teams of any size, or each person can do the course individually.
 
Participants can be divided into teams of any size, or each person can do the course individually.
 
Teams can include "coaches" and/or cheerleaders near each station.
 
Teams can include "coaches" and/or cheerleaders near each station.
Line 49: Line 49:
 
[[Category:Diversity]]
 
[[Category:Diversity]]
 
[[Category:Collaboration]]
 
[[Category:Collaboration]]
 
 
[[Category:New Activities]]
 
[[Category:New Activities]]
 
[[Category:Small]]
 
[[Category:Small]]
Line 56: Line 55:
 
[[Category:Diversity]]
 
[[Category:Diversity]]
 
[[Category:Collaboration]]
 
[[Category:Collaboration]]
 +
[[Category:Outside]]

Latest revision as of 03:07, 24 November 2013


Objectives

For those not usually in wheelchairs, this activity can raise awareness of architectural obstacles and mobility challenges faced by wheelchair users. For those who regularly use wheelchairs, this activity offers recreation. Fundraising and philanthropy could be built into the project: e.g., entry fees could fund the donation of a wheelchair to someone who needs it, or the construction of a ramp for a community building.

Group Size

Materials

Wheelchairs for participants who do not usually use them. Solicit loans from vendors, research groups, health clinics or hospitals. Build a course with ramps, boxes, flags . . . various materials. Refer to resources online, including this excellent one planned, created, tested, and shared as a girl scout project. Alternatively, define a section of a park, playground, or city block that includes ramps, curbs, gates, and other possible obstacles.


Set Up

Test for safety. Train some people to be "spotters" to be able to help at difficult spots. Participants can be divided into teams of any size, or each person can do the course individually. Teams can include "coaches" and/or cheerleaders near each station. People with know-how in using wheelchairs can prepare others with training on maneuvering techniques.

Directions

This can be a race, with each team or person being timed. Or people can get a prize or applause as they "pass" each obstacle.


Debrief

Discussions could include the similarity or differences of "real" obstacles in the world compared to those constructed for the course.The team can then make plans to help modify the environment: lobby for change, provide labor or funds for necessary construction . . .

Alternatives

Can you help make this activity better? Do you know an alternate way to lead this activity? Click "edit" above and help improve this site for everyone!