Summer Webinar Series Week 4: Customers with

Physical Disabilities

Welcome & Introductions

Chanelle Houston, BSPeer MentorMedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital

Kristen Ryan, MS, OTR/LResource Occupational TherapistMedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital

What is a Physical Disability?

Any limitation on a person’s physical functioning May include impairments in mobility, endurance,

or dexterity May be congenital or acquired Include vision & hearing impairments May be related to sleep disorders, chronic fatigue,

pain, or seizures

Physical Disabilities Can Be a Result Of:

Spinal cord injuries Brain injuries

(acquired or traumatic)

Multiple sclerosis Parkinson’s disease Arthritis

Amputations Cerebral palsy Spinal bifida Muscular dystrophy ALS

Limitations & Barriers

Distance to travel to public transit Accessible pathway to/from

public transit Maneuvering mobility device

on/off bus, train, etc. Long wait times for public transit Elevator/escalator outages

Accommodations

Ask an individual with a physical disability if they need help before providing help

Do not sit in or block accessible/priority seating on public transportation or at a bus stop

Allow an individual with physical disability to board the bus/train first

Do not touch or lean on individual’s mobility device without asking first

Question 1When working with an individual who

has a physical disability, what is the proper terminology to remain

respectful?

Question 2What are physical or perceived

barriers to an individual who has a physical disability within the

community setting? On public transportation?

Question 3What are some tips, tricks, or tools you

find helpful when working with an individual who has a physical disability

within the community setting? On public transportation?

Question 4What are some safety concerns to be

aware of when working with an individual who has a physical disability

within the community setting? On public transportation?

Question 5Do you have a specific example of a

situation involving an individual who has a physical disability that did not go as

expected? How did you handle the situation? What would you do

differently or suggest others do instead?

Contact Information

Chanelle Houston, BSPeer MentorMedStar National Rehabilitation Hospitalhouston.chanelle@gmail.com Website: www.chanellescause.com

Kristen Ryan, MS, OTR/LResource Occupational TherapistMedStar National Rehabilitation Hospitalkristen.m.ryan@medstar.net

Questions?