Consider mobility needs and flexible options to support equitable access, navigation, and full participation
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Designing and configuring flexible learning spaces to support the full participation and engagement of all students’
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Reduce physical barriers
Reduce physical barriers
Wide ramps and double doors ensure easy access for all. Build ramps to support equitable and predictable access to internal and external environments from the outset.
![10528 [Ramp-2.jpg]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/Ramp-2__ScaleMaxWidthWzEwODZd.jpg)
Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Future-proof equitable access
Future-proof equitable access
Plan for the diverse mobility needs of your learners and your community from the outset.
Key considerations include:
- unisex accessible toilets, positioned around the school for both adults and children
- outdoor play areas designed for students of varying sizes and weights, that can be accessed by students using wheelchairs or other mobility aids
- adjustable working surfaces, such as lab stations, desks, and workbenches, that students can adjust to the height required
- an area with no curbing for pick-up and drop-off
- vertical access to all areas of the school, supported by ramps and if needed, lifts
- motion-sensitive main entrance doors
- a low front desk in the reception area where children and people with wheelchairs can easily be seen and welcomed
- corridors and doorways that are wide enough for wheelchair users
- height of windows and windows in doors, enabling wheelchair users to see through.
Maintain predictable pathways
Maintain predictable pathways
Maintain predictable, accessible pathways for circulation within and between learning spaces.
Consider those with visual and mobility needs.
![10549 [Stonefields-need-permission.JPG]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/Stonefields-need-permission__ScaleMaxWidthWzEwODZd.JPG)
Ease of movement
Ease of movement
Smooth surfaces, ramps, and the width of corridors and doorways are especially important for wheelchair users. These design features support parents pushing buggies and moving equipment easily.
![10658 [Copy-of-IMG-3687.jpg]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/Copy-of-IMG-3687__ScaleMaxWidthWzEwODZd.jpg)
Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Useful resources
Useful resources
How physical disabilities can influence learning
Read time: 1 min
A summary of the challenges students with physical disabilities experience at school, and an outline of teaching opportunities to support learning.
Download PDF (696 KB)
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Design for all from the outset”:
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Current page Consider mobility needs
Return to the guide “Planning innovative learning environments (ILEs)”
![11445 [ILEs.jpg]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/guides/featured-images/ILEs__FillWzIwOCwyMDhd.jpg)
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Developing cultural capabilityShow suggestions for Developing cultural capability
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Know your Māori learnersShow suggestions for Know your Māori learners
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