Our Power Mobility program supports student learning, participation, independence, and motor development.
Power Mobility
Our Power Mobility program offers children exposure to independent mobility. The program has multiple power wheelchairs with a variety of access methods including joysticks, switches, and head arrays. Therapists use the power chairs during treatment sessions to work on independent mobility or, therapeutically, to work on head and trunk strengthening.
Movement increases students’ ability to attend and access the curriculum. Mobility is the foundation for learning and an essential aspect of development.
Mobility improves:
- Communication,
- Vision,
- Kinesthesia (awareness to body in space),
- Socialization,
- Strength,
- Cognition,
- Self-confidence, and
- Independence.
Services provided include a 6-week training program for students identified as candidates:
- Identification of best access method,
- Navigation skill development,
- Safety awareness,
- Team input to classroom staff on strategies, activities, and carryover recommendations,
- Videos and pictures provided to families along with a summary of the weekly trials,
- Recess groups 2x/week using power mobility skills during play activities,
- Individual power chair practice opportunities for students, and
- Preschooler practice with introductory power mobility device.
Innovations in Special Education Award Winner
In 2023, the New Jersey School Boards Association and ASAH, which serves the private special education community, honored the P.G. Chambers School Power Mobility program as an Innovations in Special Education Award winner.
The School’s Power Mobility program was among one of five New Jersey programs recognized for helping special needs children achieve their fullest potential.