Wheelchair Assistant Training Program, Moreno School, 1995.

A guide to implementing a wheelchair assistant training program at the elementary school level is presented. The program was both a solution to social isolation of students with orthopedic disabilities and a way to address the unavailability of staff to push wheelchairs for students in classes spread throughout the school. In addition to providing service and safety, the wheelchair assistant program has facilitated interaction between regular and special students. Student assistants are rewarded with tickets that can be used in the school store, though assistants eventually push children in wheelchairs out of friendship. Increased responsibility and self-esteem have been noted among the regular education students involved in the program. Information is presented on: the sequence of procedures used to train wheelchair assistants, expected school citizenship behaviors, and guidelines for serving as wheelchair assistants. Appendixes include program administration materials, such as a certificate to recognize the wheelchair assistant. (SW)