Considerations include under counter knee clearance, working counter top height, horizontal working reach, and aisle widths. Working directly with the student may be the best way to provide modifications to the work station. Those students, who may not be able to participate in a laboratory class without the assistance of an aide, should be allowed to benefit from the actual lab work to the fullest extent. The student will learn everything except the physical manipulation of the chemicals. Classes in physical education and recreation can almost always be modified so that the student in a wheelchair can participate.
Classmates are usually more than willing to assist, if necessary.
Most students who use wheelchairs do not get enough physical exercise in daily activity, so it is particularly important that they be encouraged, as well as provided with the opportunity, to participate. Because a student sitting in a wheelchair is about as tall as most children, and because a pat on the head is often used to express affection toward children, many people are inclined to reach out and pat the person in a wheelchair on the head. These students usually find this to be demeaning. A wheelchair is part of the person's body space. When talking to a student in a wheelchair for more than a few minutes, sit down if convenient.