An Analysis of the Reaction of OT and PT Students to Simulated Experiences of Wheelchair Using

Abstract

Occupational and physical therapists who have the responsibility to medical rehabilitation are necessary not only to learn the suitable method for operating and assistance of wheelchair using, but also to be given the educational method to be able to acquire the recognition, understanding, and empathy for the disabled.For this purpose, wheelchiar experience simulated course was set around T university campus for the wheelchiar education of undergraduated OT and PT students.The experience was both wheelchair orerating without assistance and withassistance.An analysis of results were done concerning various reaction, especially sence of fear of students.There were stronger degree of fear reaction for the experience of unassisted operation than assisted at the "slop way(down)", "ramp", "crossing of the signal", etc.We conclude that it is important to repeat wheelchair operation exercise without help for decrease of fear reaction.