I never thought that I would be in this situation, being kept away from the outside world. I can only leave my apartment to go to doctor appointments. I never thought that when I said goodbye to my students last week, that it could possibly be the last time I’d ever see them face to face, without a computer screen between us.
We are all in uncharted waters. I have been trying to figure out how to deliver education services through a computer that are going to fit the needs of my students, when none of them are independent learners at this point in their life. How I’m going to get them to sign online every day and engage in all their classes, instead of playing video games or watching YouTube videos? How can I give them instruction in social skills when they really need that face to face connection? How can I ease their fears, when I myself have fears of the unknown, especially due to my disability of cerebral palsy, having cancer, being on certain medications?
I will put on a brave face and be strong and happy for them. The one thing that is comforting in this uncertain time is knowing that, due to my iLevel® wheelchair, I can now reach the freezer or cupboards that I could never reach before. I can use the recline feature on my wheelchair and lay down if I need to, which makes it easier for me to do pressure releases. As I embark on this online learning journey with my students, my chair will make life being at home much easier and more comfortable.
I hope this virus is contained soon. I hope that people take the necessary precautions and are smart about their choices, so that we can start living our lives outside of our homes soon.
About Amy Bleile: Amy is a former Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin and special education teacher. She resides in Whitewater, WI, and participates in wheelchair basketball. Amy also enjoys attending concerts and experiencing everything that the world has to offer. Click here to learn more about Amy.