When it comes to inclusive education, people speak of barriers to learning – we believe that the barrier is not always the child, it is often the environment around them. It is our role to ensure that inclusion is as successful as possible.
Mivi (Mivuyo), born with arthrogryposis*, a Grade 3 student at Plettenberg Bay Primary school accesses his education through a specialised computer as well as writing his work with his mouth. This can put a lot of strain on his neck and his back. To ensure a better ergonomic position for him to work from, he requires a height adjustable table so that it can be adjusted to the height of his wheelchair. The work surface can be slanted for when he is writing with his mouth and then also adjusted to be flat for when he is working on his computer.
Debbie Badenhorst, an Occupational Therapist from the Eden and Central Karoo Education District, had funding available to modify schools and make them more accessible for children. Mivi was the very proud recipient of this height adjustable table.
Thank you so much Eden and Central Karoo Education District for making Mivi’s work space more comfortable for him to work at!
*Arthrogryposis (arth-ro-grip-OH-sis) means a child is born with joint contractures. This means some of their joints don’t move much and may even be stuck in 1 position. Often the muscles around these joints are thin, weak, stiff or missing. Extra tissue may have formed around the joints, holding them in place. About 1 baby in 3,000 is born with arthrogryposis.
Source https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/arthrogryposis/
