Physical Impairment by Emily

Definition - Significant limitation, impairment or delay in physical capacity to move coordinate actions or perform physical activities, exhibited by difficulties in one or more of the following areas:

• physical or motor task
• independent movements
• performing basic life function

The term shall include severe orthopedic impairment or impairments caused by congenital anomaly, cerebral palsy, amputations and fractures if such impairment adversely affects a student's educational performance.

Characteristics - The following disorders are a part of physical impairments because they all have an inability to move a body part or diminishing moving power. They attack one's physical abilities.

1. Cerebral Palsy (CP)
2. Neural Tube Defects
3. Seizure Disorders
4. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
5. Muscular Dystrophy
6. Spinal Muscular dystrophy
7. Juvenile Arthritis
8. Spinal Curvatures
9. Limb Deficiencies
   
10. Hip Conditions
11. Any other musculoskeletal conditions

Difference From Others - Students with physical impairments need to count on others for help. They can't necessarily move on their own or they move at a slower pace so games need to be modified for them. Also students may not have control of their muscles and limbs so they may not be able to communicate or talk the same as "normal" students do. These students also may need classroom modifications for wheelchairs and walkers so they can be mobile.

Assistive Technologies & Education Plan - Students with physical disabilities need many types of assistance to be successful in school. One, they may need walkers and wheelchairs to be able to be mobile. Assistance with movements is important for those who need them so they can feel independent and be free to move like "normal" students. Also putting students in an inclusion class will allow them to stay on the same level of participation in social and academic activities as their peers. It is important for the students to social with students their age because it helps them feel accepted and establish what it feels like to be "normal". Also communication boards and speaking computers allow students to address their needs, wants and problems because they don't have strong language, speech and communication skills. Some additional technologies include:

For mobility:

• grab bars or rails
• powered scooters

For Activities of Daily Life

• non-skid materials
• universal cuff and straps for holding items in hand
• adapted eating utensils, dressing equipment, devices for hygiene and cooking

For Seating

• non-slip surface on chair
• holster, rolled towel, blocks for feet

Recreation

• toys adapted with Velcro
• toys with single-switch operation
• universal cuff to hold crayons
• arm support
• electronic aid to operate TV, DVD, etc
• computer games

(Example of a Universal Cuff)













(Example of a Powered Scooter)











Community Programs - There are community and state organizations that help students with disabilities get out in the community to find a job. There are locations that counsel and train students with disabilities to be able to enter the job field and contribute to society. Also Respite cares help take care of the student so they get to be mobile and get out of their house and give their parents a break. Assistance like summer camps and youth groups are everywhere and can be found by asking your child's teacher or search the Internet.

Kirk S. , Gallagher J.J. , Coleman M.R. , & Anastasiow N. (2009). Educating Exceptional Children (12th ed. , pp. 403-447). Boston, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company.