Additional examples include but are not limited to head injury, spinal injury, Parkinson's disease, arthritis and rheumatism, and intracranial hemorrhage. Debilitating diseases such as respiratory and cardiac conditions, active sickle cell disease, arthritis and rheumatism may impair the strength, speed, endurance, coordination and dexterity that are necessary for proper hand function.
Students use wheelchairs as a result of a variety of disabilities.
Wheelchairs come in a variety of styles and sizes, with many types of optional attachments available. Some of the standard accessories that students may add to their wheelchairs are tote bags that attached to the chair back or arms and trays that fit over the arms of the chair to serve as a desk. Some wheelchairs are designed with desk arms that are lower in front so that the chair will fit under a desk or table. It is better if the tables and chairs are movable rather than stationary. It is difficult to make generalizations about the classroom needs of students who use wheelchairs because some students may be able to stand for short periods of time while others will not be able to stand at all.