Page 124 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 03 11/20/02 11:46 AM Page 113
Setting the Stage for Learning 113
Design room layouts that afford easy access for assistive devices, such as canes, crutches,
wheelchairs, or prosthetics. Typically freestanding chairs or tables that can be moved
are best. Classroom, V-shaped/fishbone and theater style seating can limit access and
mobility.
Design activities in which participants can interact equally with others. Be careful of re-
quiring excessive relocation within the room or timed events requiring movement.
Post materials on the wall at a height that does not require excessive neck strain to view
them.
Allow plenty of time for activity and task completion.

Be careful of competitive activities in which participants must accomplish tasks and be
compared to others.
When speaking one-on-one to someone in a wheelchair (e.g., individual coaching, ex-
planation, or discussion) sit at eye level with the participant.
Ensure tabletops are approximately 32–54 inches above floor level with knee space at
least 28 inches high, 20 inches deep, and 32 inches wide to accommodate wheelchair
access.

PUTTING YOUR BRAIN TO WORK: ACTIVITY

Think of your own training environment. Then, answer these questions.
What other strategies can you think of that might assist someone with a motion or mobility impairment to
maximize a learning experience?

What specific aspects of your program and the learning environment might you have to modify in order to
accommodate a person with a motion or mobility impairment?

BRIGHT I DEA
Disability Audit
o a proactive audit of your training environment before someone with a
Ddisability registers for programs. Take a look at the classroom, overall building,
and parking area to determine what accommodations have been made for people
with disabilities or might be needed (e.g., water coolers lowered for accessibility,
restroom stalls, lighting configuration, Braille signage near elevators and other areas,
telephones with amplifying devices, and so on). You can find ADA requirements
for such accommodations on the Internet by typing in the word “disabilities.” Also,