In the described case, which strategy aligns with reinforcing chair movement while reducing restraints?

• A. Remove the music to play only when he props his chair, rewarding stationary noninjury with music
• B. Withhold music until he propels his chair a specific distance gradually increasing how far
• C. Give Gerald a motorized wheelchair with buttons he can press while still wearing his restraints
• D. Give him music with earphones and turn off the music anytime he hits somebody or attempts to hurt himself

Answer: (C)

Promoting autonomous movement by using an accessible mobility device while keeping safety restraints in place during learning. Giving him a motorized wheelchair with easily pressable controls lets him initiate and control his own movement, which serves as a clear, controllable behavior to reinforce. The ability to move becomes a tangible source of reinforcement (for example, access to preferred activities or social interaction) when the movement is contingent on using the controls. Keeping restraints during this phase helps prevent injury and unsafe actions as he learns to operate the chair safely. Over time, as he demonstrates consistent, safe control, restraints can be reduced or faded while continuing to reinforce the desired mobility behavior.