Able students tackle wheelchair challenge

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by Azfar Deen

Those of us who have no physical limitations may find it difficult to imagine the challenges of being in a wheelchair.

One kinesiology professor is not leaving it to the imagination.

All students in Dr. Virginia Foster Chadwick's adapted physical education course must spend the equivalent of one week in a wheelchair, including at least 24 continuous hours. "The able-bodied students get very, very frustrated," Chadwick says.

The only adapted physical education activity course on campus - KAC 16 - pairs able-bodied students in KINES 157 with disabled students in KAC 16.

This course has two main purposes, according to Chadwick. Foremost, the class helps students with disabilities who might not be successful in other physical education classes on campus. Second, the course teaches able-bodied students, some of whom are training to be P.E. teachers, to learn how to design an exercise program for students with disabilities.

Chadwick said that students with disabilities encounter poor awareness and simple public ignorance about disabilities every day. "The portrayal of the disabled as helpless has been so entrenched in our society that it's difficult for them to overcome this stereotype," she said.

Chadwick believes the media promote misleading stereotypes of the disabled. "This adapted course gives students insight about lifestyles of all students - and ingenuity to overcome obstacles in daily life," said Chadwick.

Located in the South Gym, Chadwick's class has several pieces of "user-friendly" weight equipment. "We have wheelchair-accessible lifting machines and rowing machines that can be operated with one hand," said Chadwick. "We train students to shoot baskets, hit tennis balls and exercise for overall fitness."

The able-bodied students are required to participate in wheelchairs during part of the P.E. class because Chadwick believes the simulation gives them a sense of realism about disabilities.

The class is run with a great deal of compassion, care and understanding, Chadwick says. But she thinks the able-bodied students still have a huge advantage.

"If they fall out of the wheelchair during my class, they can just get up and walk away from it all," she said. "Students with disabilities aren't dealing with a simulated experience."

Ethelynda Harding, director of the Center for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, appreciates Chadwick's approach.

"Ginnie is a very dedicated teacher, who uses innovative ideas in her courses," said Harding. "She uses technology and other creative means to bring people together. She really goes out of her way to provide students with the best possible learning experience."