The Joëlette wheelchair: A measure and additional support promoting the inclusion of students with motor disability at learning camps

Abstract

The Àneu Valleys Learning Camp (Educational Service, Department of Education and Vocational Training, Government of Catalonia) has organized two adapted stays, applying inclusive-school precepts. In this paper, we discuss how a trip to Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park was designed and carried out with two primary schools. The participating pupils included two with motor disabilities, so a Joëlette allterrain wheelchair was used to overcome the barriers of the natural environment. In both cases the learning objectives were satisfactorily achieved and the whole group successfully reached the final point of the route, promoting peer interaction and strengthening the sense of belonging of all the participants. The high level of inclusive culture of all the professionals and adults involved (teachers, physical therapist, special education assistant, trainee teachers, medium-mountain guide and volunteers responsible for Joëlette operation, and family members) is highlighted as a central factor leading to educational success. We review the logistical implications and the mobilized resources, seeking to evaluate whether it is possible to generalize the use of Joëlettes in other educational centres in order to suitably attend to all the motor-disabled students of Catalonia.