School-Based Therapists' Perspectives of Wheelchair Use in US Schools: A Survey Study

Abstract

Purpose: To gather information concerning the current state of students' wheelchair (WC) use in US schools from the perspective of school-based therapists. Methods: This descriptive study used a Web-based survey to gather information regarding factors that facilitated or hindered student WC use at school, the frequency at which various tasks related to WC provision were performed, and factors that would facilitate students' independence with WC use. Results: A dependent manual WC was the most common type of WC mobility used at school. Various student and nonstudent factors were reported as a facilitator or a barrier to students' WC use at school. Conclusions: Although most respondents reported working with a student who used a WC, few reported active engagement in tasks related to WC service provision. Future research exploring potential attitudinal issues influencing students' WC use at school and ways to optimally support students' independent WC use is indicated.