Launch: Physical difficulties: Limited mobility

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Launch: Physical difficulties: Limited mobility [∞]

Objective:

Help students understand the challenges faced by people with limited mobility, promote empathy, and engage in activities that raise awareness about accessibility.

Materials Needed:

  • Chairs (preferably wheelchairs or rolling office chairs if available, or just regular chairs if not)
  • Blindfolds (if you want to add an element of tactile challenges)
  • A few obstacles like cones, chairs, or blocks (for the obstacle course)
  • Whiteboard and markers (or a projector)

1. Icebreaker Introduction (3 minutes)

Prompt:

"Have any of you ever had an injury, like spraining your ankle or breaking a bone? How did that affect your daily routine?"

(Allow a few students to share.)

  • Transition: "Now, imagine not being able to walk or move in the way you'd like for an extended period of time. Some people face these challenges for life, and they have to navigate the world differently than others. Today, we're going to walk in their shoes—literally."

2. Activity 1: The Obstacle Course Challenge (5 minutes)

Instructions:

  1. Set up a small obstacle course that includes a few challenges like navigating a hallway with cones, turning corners, or getting over small obstacles.
  2. Challenge students to experience limited mobility:
    • Have them sit in chairs or, if possible, use wheelchairs.
    • Blindfold some students to add another layer of difficulty.
    • They need to navigate through the course without using their legs as they normally would.
  3. Let students try it individually or in teams.

Goal:

The goal is for students to physically feel the limitation and the added challenge of navigating obstacles, encouraging reflection on the experience.

3. Reflection & Group Discussion (4 minutes)

Socratic Questions:

  • 1. What do you think is more important when considering accessibility—creating physical spaces that accommodate everyone or changing people's attitudes toward those with disabilities? A: Creating physical spaces that accommodate everyone. B: Changing people's attitudes toward those with disabilities.
  • 2. Which do you think would be more difficult: living in a society without accessible spaces or living in a society without inclusive attitudes? A: Living in a society without accessible spaces. B: Living in a society without inclusive attitudes.
  • 3. Do you think it's fair to assume that everyone needs the same kind of support in public spaces, or do you believe accessibility should be individualized? A: Everyone needs the same kind of support. B: Accessibility should be individualized based on specific needs.
  • 4. Which of the two is more important when designing spaces: making them usable for those with the most severe mobility issues, or making them usable for as many people as possible? A: Making spaces usable for those with the most severe mobility issues. B: Making spaces usable for as many people as possible.
  • 5. When you see someone struggling with mobility in a public place, what do you think is more helpful: offering immediate assistance or respecting their independence and asking if help is needed? A: Offering immediate assistance. B: Respecting their independence and asking if help is needed.

Purpose: These questions are designed to encourage critical thinking, sparking thoughtful debate among students about the importance of accessibility, attitudes, and individual needs. Write key points on the whiteboard, focusing on empathy, inclusivity, and awareness.

4. Actionable Takeaways (3 minutes)

  • Empathy Practice: "Imagine being a person who has limited mobility every day. How can we be more inclusive? Maybe we could help by offering to carry heavy bags, hold doors open, or make sure there are accessible pathways in public spaces."
  • Real-World Examples: Briefly mention real-world examples of how cities, schools, or companies are working to improve accessibility for people with limited mobility. This could include things like ramps, automatic doors, or elevators.

5. Closing: Challenge & Call to Action (1 minute)

Prompt:

"Take a moment today to notice the things we often overlook—like ramps, doorways, or spaces designed for people with mobility challenges. Challenge yourself to be aware and think about how you can make your school or neighborhood more inclusive."

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