Research Question 3
| Citation |
Durkin J (2005). Developing powered mobility with children who have multiple
and complex disabilities: Moving forward. Doctoral dissertation. University of Brighton. |
| Question | How do young children with multiple and complex disabilities learn to use powered
mobility? |
| Description |
This qualitative study took a grounded theory approach and involved observations
of 11 typical children aged 6 months to 5 years old and 11 elementary school aged
children with disabilities. The author also conducted focus groups with 7 children
who used power wheelchairs and 22 peer professionals. The goal was to develop a
model of how children learn to use powered mobility.
|
| Results |
• 6 levels of attention
• 3 stages of learning
• 5 progressions of skill development along a continuum of learning from novice
to expert user
|
| Messages |
• Children learn best through play and exploration • Adults need to follow the child’s
lead and be a ‘responsive partner’ • Children at early stages cannot attend to verbal
instruction when using powered mobility
|
Last Updated:
Jan 13, 2011