Motor Skill (Gross Lower) (1A)
Gross motor deficits in the lower body involve impairments in walking, leg strength, coordination, balance, and steadiness.
Students with lower gross motor deficits might use a wheelchair, scooter, or cane; they might be unable to walk; their walking might be unstable or cause them pain. Students with mobility problems may find it difficult to get from one class to another in time. Students who have difficulty with balance may have difficulty with tasks where balance or coordination is important (e.g. dancing, athletic courses).
Students with lower gross motor deficits might use a wheelchair, scooter, or cane; they might be unable to walk; their walking might be unstable or cause them pain. Students with mobility problems may find it difficult to get from one class to another in time. Students who have difficulty with balance may have difficulty with tasks where balance or coordination is important (e.g. dancing, athletic courses).
Formal Diagnostics
Generally, gross motor deficits in the lower body will be apparent except in the case of balance problems in which case a physician's letter should provide sufficient documentation.
Intake Questions
- Do you anticipate having difficulty getting from one class to another in a short time frame?
- Do you have balance problems?
- Do you have restrictions in walking, squatting, or sitting?
- What accommodations or strategies have been effective in the past?
Resources
- National Institutes of Health, Medline Plus: Gross Motor Control
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002368.htm - Paralyzed Veterans of America: Spinal Cord Injury
http://www.pva.org/site/PageServer?pagename=injury_main - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Spasticity
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/spasticity/spasticity.htm - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Hypotonia
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/hypotonia/hypotonia.htm - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Asperger Syndrome
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/asperger.htm - Mayo Clinic: Cerebral Palsy
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cerebral-palsy/DS00302
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