It is difficult to make generalizations about the classroom needs of students who use wheelchairs due to the variety of conditions.  There are, however, some general considerations that apply to most persons who use wheelchairs.

• If breaks between classes are short (10 minutes or less), the student who uses a wheelchair may frequently be a few minutes late.  Students often have to wait for an elevator, maneuver through crowded corridors or take a circuitous route to class.  If the student is frequently late, and it disrupts class, the instructor should discuss the situation with the student to seek a solution.
  
  
• Classes in laboratories may require some modifications of the workstation.  Considerations may include under counter height, horizontal reach and aisle widths.
  
  
• If the class involves fieldwork or field trips, the student who uses a wheelchair should be asked to participate in the selection of sites and modes of transportation.  If the college provides transportation for fields trips, an accessible mode of transportation must be provided for the student with a disability.
  
  
• Students are not "confined" to a wheelchair.  They often transfer to cars and furniture.  Some students who use wheelchairs can walk with the aid of canes, crutches, or walkers.  For many, the wheelchair serves as a means to conserve energy or move about quickly. 
  
  
• Most students who use wheelchairs will ask for help if they need it.  Don't assume automatically that assistance is needed.  Offer assistance if you you wish, but do not insist.
  
  
• When talking to a student using a wheelchair, if the conversation continues more than a few minutes, sit down, kneel or move the conversation to a location where you are at eye level with the student.
  
  
•  A wheelchair is part of the person's body space.  Do not hang or lean on the chair - it is similar to hanging or leaning on a person.  It is okay if you are close friends, but inappropriate otherwise.
  
  
•  Students in wheelchairs can participate in outdoor activities.  Classmates are usually more than willing to give assistance.  Most students who use wheelchairs do not get enough physical exercise in daily activity, and it is particularly important that they be encouraged, as well as provided the opportunity, to participate.