Have you ever heard the saying “why don’t you try walking in someone else’s shoes? How about “why don’t you try sitting in someone else’s seat?” If you’ve ever had Mr. Ashby as a teacher you’d know how it feels to sit in someone else’s seat.
Ashby’s assignment began four years ago when he realized that his health academy students could learn from the experience-especially since they may encounter people with disabilities somewhere in their future careers. His students should be able to relate to people with disadvantages and be able to view them as regular people that live in their own way.
Ashby’s wheelchair project was originally designed for his Health Academy students, but he began offering it to his history students as extra credit assignment. In the past it was voluntary for his history students, but now he has made it mandatory. Students must get parental approval for the project prior to actually sitting in the chair, write a pre and post reflection on their thoughts and feelings toward the project. Ashby also requires students to get dressed without using their legs the morning of the project, and stay seated all day unless they need to use the restroom- they first need to enter the wheelchair accessible stall and then may stand to do their business.
As a student of his myself I enjoyed the project and can say that it’s a learning experience. From the way that people look at you to the way people want to help you open doors the project changes your perspective of life. I remember that trying to get to my locker was impossible (it was up top) so I had to have my friend help me put all my books in my backpack so I wouldn’t have to. In addition to the locker trouble, it was impossible to get to class on time. I remember that it was hell going uphill. But overall it was a wonderful experience. In my opinion the project truly does what Ashby intends it to do.
Note:To all teachers Mr. Ashby would like to thank you for being willing participants by excusing tardies and accommodating their classrooms to students participating in the project.