For students with disabilities, assistive tools play a vital role in helping them learn and participate equally. One such assistive tool is the wheelchair. In this reflection, I will explore how wheelchairs support learners in Bhutanese inclusive classrooms. I will look at challenges, benefits and how suitable they are for our context.
A wheelchair is a mobility aid designed to assist people who have difficulty walking due to illness, injury or disability. It enables them to move independently or with assistance. In Bhutan, wheelchairs are mostly used by students with physical impairments in schools and public spaces. For example, students with conditions such as cerebral palsy, spinal injuries or muscular dystrophy may rely on wheelchairs to attend school and participate in learning.
In Bhutan, education is free and inclusive which means everyone gas the right to go to school. The use of wheelchairs helps make this possible. A child who uses wheelchair can sit in class with others, move to different classrooms, go to the library and even take part in sports and games if the school environments allows.
So, a wheelchair supports students not just physically but also emotionally. It gives them confidence, dignity and sense of independence.
While wheelchairs are helpful, there are also challenges in using them in Bhutan. Firstly, many school especially in rural areas are not wheelchair-friendly. The school buildings may have narrow doorways, staircases without ramps or uneven pathways, making it hard for students in wheelchairs to move freely. this creates more challenges for the students and sometimes they miss out on activities simply because the infrastructure does not support them.
Secondly, Bhutan's landscape is mountainous. Roads are steep, and paths are often rocky or muddy. Most wheelchairs are made for flat, smooth roads. When students try to move their wheelchairs in rough terrain, the wheels may get stuck or the chair may even break. This makes it difficult for students especially in rural areas to come to school regularly.
Another problem is the lack of trained helpers. Students using wheelchairs may require personal assistance to move between classes, go to the toilet or eat lunch. In some schools, there may not enough trained personnel to provide this kind of help which puts extra pressure on families or teachers.
Despite these challenges, wheelchairs still have many advantages. They give students independence, dignity and the opportunity to be part of the learning community. Teachers and friends can also learn to be more understanding and empathetic when they see classmates with disabilities participating in everyday school life.
According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), all persons with disabilities have the right to education without discrimination. Bhutan is the country committed to promoting inclusive education (UNCRPD, 2006). The royal Government of Bhutan has also developed a National Policy for Persons with Disabilities that promotes inclusive schools and access to assistive devices like wheelchairs.
Research by the Bhutan Foundation (2020) highlighted that lack of proper assistive technology and accessible school infrastructure remains a barrier for students with disabilities in Bhutan. The report also mentioned that assistive tools such as wheelchairs are often donated by NGOs or foreign organizations which is helpful but not always enough to meet the full demand or ensure the right fit for every child.
In addition, a study by Lamichhane (2015) found that children with disabilities in the Himalayan region including Bhutan are more likely to drop out of school due to mobility challenges and lack of support systems. This allows that while assistive tolls like wheelchairs can help, their impact depends on how well the environment and systems support their use.
In my opinion, the wheelchair is a very appropriate assistive technology for Bhutan, but only if other things are in place too. For example, schools must have ramps, wide doors and accessible toilets. Teachers and staff must also be trained to help students who use wheelchairs. Some new schools in Bhutan are now being designed with these features but many older schools still lacks them. Until all schools are upgraded, the usefulness of wheelchairs remains limited.
In rural areas, we need stronger wheelchairs that can handle muddy or steep paths. These are called all-terrain wheelchairs and they are more durable. However, they cost more money and most families cannot afford them. The government or NGOs need to help with this by giving free or low-cost wheelchairs to students in need.
It is also important that each wheelchair fits user. If the wheelchair is too big or too small, it can cause health problems like back pain. Local production of wheelchairs using affordable materials might be one way to solve this issue.
Another area for improvement is awareness and training. Teachers need proper training to assist and include students with wheelchairs in classroom activities. Without this understanding, some teachers may unintentionally exclude such students or underestimate their protentional. Inclusion is not only about physical access but also about emotional and social acceptance.
As a future teacher, i strongly believe that every child deserves equal access to education, regardless of their physical ability. Learning about assistive tools like wheelchairs has opened my eyes to the real challenges faced by students with disabilities. Before, i used to think that giving a wheelchair would solve the problem. But now I understand that it is just one part of the solution.
In my future classroom, I want to create a learning space where all students feel welcome, safe and supported. If I have a student who uses a wheelchair, I will make sure that my teaching methods, classroom layouts and activities are suitable for their needs. For example, I will place tables and chairs in a way that allows free movement. I will also promote group work, where all students support and learn from each other. More importantly, I will treat the student with respect and not make them feel different. I will make sure they are included in all school activities from outdoor programs as long as it is safe and possible. I also plan to work closely with parents and the school to make sure the student's needs are met.
I realize that I must continue learning about inclusive education and assistive tools. I believe that education should not leave anyone behind, and that every child with the right support can achieve their full potential. Wheelchairs can play a big role in this journey but it is the care, attitude and effort of teachers that make the biggest difference.
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