William & Susan Schran User on mon 1 jan 07
Questions for all out there who have taught wheel throwing to individuals
who are confined to a wheelchair and to those who are in a wheelchair and
have experience with wheel throwing:
I will have a student this coming semester who is confined to a wheelchair.
He was in my hand building class in the fall semester and is returning for
beginning wheel throwing.
I have gotten the college to buy a wheelchair accessible pottery wheel
(Brent) and I have re-arranged the space to accommodate the wheel and his
accessibility to sink/slurry buckets/etc.
Obviously I will not be teaching him to brace his arms on his legs and using
the power of his legs to remain steady. There are devices that can be moved
around on the wheel to brace one's arms for this purpose. The wheel can also
be moved up & down to different heights.
So to the questions: How high above the legs should the wheel be set? Just
at a height that is comfortable and allows for the arms to be braced well?
Any specific tips that might be different in teaching someone who is not
confined to a wheelchair?
I've taught blind folks, but this will be my first wheelchair & wheel
throwing.
Thanks, Bill
Marcia Selsor on mon 1 jan 07
On Jan 1, 2007, at 11:01 AM, William & Susan Schran User wrote:
> Questions for all out there who have taught wheel throwing to
> individuals
> who are confined to a wheelchair and to those who are in a
> wheelchair and
> have experience with wheel throwing:
>
> I will have a student this coming semester who is confined to a
> wheelchair.
> He was in my hand building class in the fall semester and is
> returning for
> beginning wheel throwing.
>
> I have gotten the college to buy a wheelchair accessible pottery wheel
> (Brent) and I have re-arranged the space to accommodate the wheel
> and his
> accessibility to sink/slurry buckets/etc.
>
> Obviously I will not be teaching him to brace his arms on his legs
> and using
> the power of his legs to remain steady. There are devices that can
> be moved
> around on the wheel to brace one's arms for this purpose. The wheel
> can also
> be moved up & down to different heights.
>
> So to the questions: How high above the legs should the wheel be
> set? Just
> at a height that is comfortable and allows for the arms to be
> braced well?
>
> Any specific tips that might be different in teaching someone who
> is not
> confined to a wheelchair?
>
> I've taught blind folks, but this will be my first wheelchair & wheel
> throwing.
>
> Thanks, Bill
>
I have taught wheelchair bound students. The first was on a Shimpo.
He just set the speed manually.
Then a decade later I got a wheelchair potters wheel. It may have
been a Brent.
I think you should wait to adjust the height when he gets to class.
It will probably depend on the height of his wheelchair.
Those wheel chair potters wheels adjust very quickly.
He may have very powerful upper body strength. I had a lot of Vietnam
Vets when I was first teaching.
Many had atificial legs, or other body problems. It usually works
out. I had a few blind students too.
Marcia Selsor
http://marciaselsor.com
RJ Shaw on mon 1 jan 07
The easiest way to properly adjust the wheel, or any other items
needed for a wheelchair person is to simply ask the person what
works best for them. If this is their first time, give them the
information on what is required to throw properly on the wheel, where
they will need to use pressure and strength, how far they will need
to reach, and then listen to their ideas and suggestions.
Actually, unless he has said otherwise, it might be possible for him
to use his legs to brace his arms. Just ask what works for him, let
him try different methods to see what works.
Hopefully the wheel is placed where all the other wheels are located
and not located off in another area.
The easiest way to teach anyone with disabilities is to simply watch
and listen. If you see a need, ask them the best way for you to
answer that need. If they mention a need, again, get their
suggestions on how to accommodate.
Your student has been making adjustments for his disabilities as
needed ever since he became disabled. Many might be very simple ones
that TAB folks (temporarily able-bodied folks) might not consider,
others might require your help or the help of the department. He is
your best resource for what does and does not work.
Give him a call and let him come by early to check out the wheel, if
possible. Maybe he try it out, see where things need to be placed.
That way the first day of class will find you both prepared, and you
will be able to give the entire class the attention needed.
Rita
>Questions for all out there who have taught wheel throwing to individuals
>who are confined to a wheelchair and to those who are in a wheelchair and
>have experience with wheel throwing:
>
>I will have a student this coming semester who is confined to a wheelchair.
>He was in my hand building class in the fall semester and is returning for
>beginning wheel throwing.
>
>I have gotten the college to buy a wheelchair accessible pottery wheel
>(Brent) and I have re-arranged the space to accommodate the wheel and his
>accessibility to sink/slurry buckets/etc.
>
>Obviously I will not be teaching him to brace his arms on his legs and using
>the power of his legs to remain steady. There are devices that can be moved
>around on the wheel to brace one's arms for this purpose. The wheel can also
>be moved up & down to different heights.
>
>So to the questions: How high above the legs should the wheel be set? Just
>at a height that is comfortable and allows for the arms to be braced well?
>
>Any specific tips that might be different in teaching someone who is not
>confined to a wheelchair?
>
>I've taught blind folks, but this will be my first wheelchair & wheel
>throwing.
>
>Thanks, Bill
>
>______________________________________________________________________________
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>melpots@pclink.com.
--
http://shawpottery.com/
mailto:rjshaw@shawpottery.com
805-937-7495
Larry Kruzan on mon 1 jan 07
Hi Bill,
I am a full time potter who is confined to a wheelchair. I would advise you
to be a little patient about adjusting the wheel for this student. We all
have varying degrees of useful movement and he will be the best one to
advise you what he needs as he begins to work. In the beginning I used a
Soldner wheel and had the professor jack it up about 6" and place the foot
control beside the wheel where I could reach over and adjust the speed with
my hand. As I gained ability and flexibility we lowered the wheel a little
at a time until now I use a wheel at the normal height.
I did try the Brent "handicap" wheel once and found it a total exercise in
frustration. It placed the wheel so high that it was impossible to center
the clay properly and there was no way to pull the clay up more than a
couple inches - the geometry was just all wrong. I applaud their efforts
but I really believe a concrete block under each leg of Brent C is a much
better tool.
I also would urge you to teach him to brace his arms on his legs - not only
is this superior technique, but if he has any muscle strength in the stomach
area this will provide good isometric exercise for him - this is the method
I use and it does work. Let me suggest that you only vary from your normal
teaching methods AFTER he tries what everyone else does. Empower the
student with the knowledge that he can do it like everyone else and he will,
or find his own method. I hate it when people open doors for me, talk loud
as if because I'm in a wheelchair I'm deaf, and pity the fool who smiles at
me and asks my wife what I would like from the menu - I have no mercy for
condescension.
Call me if I can be of help.
Larry Kruzan
Lost Creek Pottery
309-241-2950
www.lostcreekpottery.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of William & Susan
Schran User
Sent: Monday, January 01, 2007 11:01 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: [CLAYART] Wheelchair & wheel throwing
Questions for all out there who have taught wheel throwing to individuals
who are confined to a wheelchair and to those who are in a wheelchair and
have experience with wheel throwing:
I will have a student this coming semester who is confined to a wheelchair.
He was in my hand building class in the fall semester and is returning for
beginning wheel throwing.
I have gotten the college to buy a wheelchair accessible pottery wheel
(Brent) and I have re-arranged the space to accommodate the wheel and his
accessibility to sink/slurry buckets/etc.
Obviously I will not be teaching him to brace his arms on his legs and using
the power of his legs to remain steady. There are devices that can be moved
around on the wheel to brace one's arms for this purpose. The wheel can also
be moved up & down to different heights.
So to the questions: How high above the legs should the wheel be set? Just
at a height that is comfortable and allows for the arms to be braced well?
Any specific tips that might be different in teaching someone who is not
confined to a wheelchair?
I've taught blind folks, but this will be my first wheelchair & wheel
throwing.
Thanks, Bill
____________________________________________________________________________
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
William & Susan Schran User on mon 1 jan 07
On 1/1/07 4:16 PM, "RJ Shaw" wrote:
> The easiest way to properly adjust the wheel, or any other items
> needed for a wheelchair person is to simply ask the person what
> works best for them. If this is their first time, give them the
> information on what is required to throw properly on the wheel, where
> they will need to use pressure and strength, how far they will need
> to reach, and then listen to their ideas and suggestions.
>
> Actually, unless he has said otherwise, it might be possible for him
> to use his legs to brace his arms. Just ask what works for him, let
> him try different methods to see what works.
>
> Hopefully the wheel is placed where all the other wheels are located
> and not located off in another area.
Rita,
Thanks for your reply.
He has never thrown before but is looking forward to the challenge.
I usually just walk over and get things for him during class if there's
something he needs located across the room. As the semester progressed he
and I became more comfortable with his limitations and his needs. By the end
of the semester he would ask for something and I would respond: "I'm busy,
crawl over there and get it yourself." We get along very well and I'm
certain he will let me know his needs.
I plan to sit at the wheel he'll be using before the semester begins to help
me understand what techniques I might specifically direct towards him.
The wheel is right in line with the other wheels, so he'll be able to fully
participate.
I've also added taller legs to three other wheels as I have a few students
with back issues, so I will teach them to throw standing up.
--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com
William & Susan Schran User on mon 1 jan 07
On 1/1/07 7:12 PM, "Larry Kruzan" wrote:
> I am a full time potter who is confined to a wheelchair. I would advise you
> to be a little patient about adjusting the wheel for this student. We all
> have varying degrees of useful movement and he will be the best one to
> advise you what he needs as he begins to work.
Larry,
Thank you for the information and insights.
I had an idea that raising the wheel to high might cause other problems.
I think starting as low as possible, where he can "belly up to the wheel" if
you will, might be good.
I would think this wheel, minus the front leg, may function well, if, as you
point out, we can keep it low.
Bill
--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com
sacredclay on tue 2 jan 07
You remeind me of ttwo gentlemens from Victorian times who were
handicapped in their won ways. One was born without legs would say to
the one born without arms,"Keep your hands off of me!" His
response/ "Watch your step!" they both were great friends and rode a
bike built for two. Guess which did the steering and the leg
power.Smiles Kathryn in Nc
Sheryl McMonigal on wed 3 jan 07
bill,
when I learned I was paralyzed in one leg and the opposite arm. the height
of the wheelhead was almost parallell with where my elbow was braced on my
knee. I did need to use a centering tool because of upper body injuries and
limited use of the left arm. you may need to use a platform for the
wheelchair to get the right height. what may be a comfortable postion for
you may not be for the one who is in chair. I needed the extreme power of
the lower body to throw.. still do. I am not paralyzed or in chair now but
have strength and pain probs so the bench is almost same level as wheelhead.
and my huband fashioned a nice centering tool. I am now having problems
with my right arm and had to adjust how I use that arm . I brace it in the
knee so it cannot move around and use more pressure with my weekend side. I
also use an arm brace.
hope all this helps.
sheryl
----- Original Message -----
From: "William & Susan Schran User"
To:
Sent: Monday, January 01, 2007 9:01 AM
Subject: Wheelchair & wheel throwing
> Questions for all out there who have taught wheel throwing to individuals
> who are confined to a wheelchair and to those who are in a wheelchair and
> have experience with wheel throwing:
>
> I will have a student this coming semester who is confined to a
wheelchair.
> He was in my hand building class in the fall semester and is returning for
> beginning wheel throwing.
>
> I have gotten the college to buy a wheelchair accessible pottery wheel
> (Brent) and I have re-arranged the space to accommodate the wheel and his
> accessibility to sink/slurry buckets/etc.
>
> Obviously I will not be teaching him to brace his arms on his legs and
using
> the power of his legs to remain steady. There are devices that can be
moved
> around on the wheel to brace one's arms for this purpose. The wheel can
also
> be moved up & down to different heights.
>
> So to the questions: How high above the legs should the wheel be set? Just
> at a height that is comfortable and allows for the arms to be braced well?
>
> Any specific tips that might be different in teaching someone who is not
> confined to a wheelchair?
>
> I've taught blind folks, but this will be my first wheelchair & wheel
> throwing.
>
> Thanks, Bill
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
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