Field Trip Planning Tips for Students with Disabilities

• A disability exists when a set of functions cannot be independently performed when attempted in a specific environment.

- Walter C. Stolov, MD

University of Washington Medical Center

Examples of functions

• Typing on a keyboard• Reading print on a field guide• Listening to a lecture• Presenting a speech• Walking along a nature path• Writing notes on paper

Disability related conditions

• Multiple Sclerosis• Seizure Disorder• Blindness• Cerebral Palsy• Hearing Loss• Acquired Brain Injury• Attention Deficit Disorder• Learning Disability

• You can address disability related limitations by designing processes and environments to be more accessible and user friendly.

Accessibility

Audio Description Captioned Video

Accessible parking

What if you cannot meet the needs of everyone with a disability through your efforts to make things accessible?

• You can accommodate the specific needs of an individual.

Accommodations

• Assistive Technology• Text to Speech software• Portable ramp• Magnifier• Speech recognition• Audio GPS• Video Phone

Combine Accessibility and Accommodations to meet the needs of as many people as possible.

• Select accessible options first• Use accommodations to address

needs that are not met through existing accessibility.

Disability Etiquette

• Use person first language, e.g. “a person with quadriplegia”

• Be sure to speak directly to a person who is deaf, not to the sign language interpreter

• If a person is blind, you can offer assistance, but do not assume the person will want help.

Mobility access concerns

Accessible transportationPlan trip when

weather is optimal

Mobility

• Make sure the paths are wide enough for wheelchair use.

Are there ramps and elevators available to reach

upper levels of the tour site?

Mobility

• Will someone using a wheelchair, cane or

walker be able to track on the surface?

Field Notes

• Accommodate writing problems using a digital audio recorder.

Reading

• Tour hand outs can be converted into large print or e-text files. E-text can be read aloud by small devices or converted into Braille.

• Make tactile maps or diagrams for individuals who have visual impairments, or who are tactile learners.

Communication

Describe items that you point to, e.g. beyond the there is a rock strewn indentation

Make sure that the site has adequate lighting to see the sign language interpreter or to read lips.

Safety

• Know where the medical facilities are along the travel route.

• Participants should keep a list of medications in their purse or wallet, and have a med alert item.

• Program cell phones with “In Case of Emergency” number.