Disabilities

What is a disability? Any physical or mental impairment that limits or reduces normal activities. Can affect attending school or caring for self. Severity can vary. Devices or ways to modify the physical environment to reduce the limitations.

Types of Disabilities 3 most common physical types: Treatments Impaired vision Impaired hearing Impaired mobility Caused by birth defects, eye injuries, or age Most common causes are diabetes, cataracts(cloudiness in lens), glaucoma(pressure buildup in the eyeball), macular degeneration(condition in the retina affecting older people) Treatments Surgery- cornea transplant Braille Canes Trained guide dog

Types of Disabilities(cont.) Impaired hearing Causes include birth defects, genetic disorders, exposure to excessive noise, ear infections. Tinnitus- condition in which ringing is heard in the ears Major cause is prolonged exposure to loud sounds. Treatment devices and techniques Hearing aids Cochlear implants Sign language and lip reading Special phones/doorbells that use lights

Types of Disabilities(cont.) Impaired mobility Caused by disease in or injury to any of the nervous, muscular, or skeletal systems that work together to move the body. Disease- cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy(children), multiple sclerosis(young people), arthritis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, heart disease(elderly) Injuries- brain or spinal injuries cause paralysis of arms or legs Result from unnecessary risk-taking, substance abuse, or violence 80% spinal injuries=young males Loss of limbs due to cancer, diabetes What can be used to help people with impaired mobility?

Living with Disabilities Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA)- guarantees the civil rights of Americans who have physical or mental disabilities. Includes people who are physically impaired or mentally retarded, have cancer, epilepsy, HIV, or AIDS. Also protects people undergoing or completed rehabilitation for alcohol or drug abuse. Law guarantees access to same employment opportunities, public services, transportation, etc.

Activity Choose a disability we talked about. Impaired vision Impaired hearing Impaired mobility Create a new product for that specific disability that could help them function. Draw an advertisement and tell about the product(what it is), how it will benefit the disability, how much it costs, and why people should use it.