P HYSICAL I MPAIRMENTS By: Meagan Anderson

W HAT IS A P HYSICAL H ANDICAP ? A physical disability is any condition that permanently prevents normal body movement and/or control. There are many different types of physical disabilities. Some of the main ones include: Accuired Brain and Spinal Injuries Muscular Dystrophies Spina Bifida Cerebral Palsy

A CQUIRED BRAIN AND SPINAL INJURIES Physical disabilities may result from permanent injuries to the brain, spinal cord or limbs that prevent proper movement in parts of the body.

M USCULAR D YSTROPHIES When a child has muscular dystrophy, this means that the muscle fibers in the body gradually weaken over time. Children can have different types of muscular dystrophy. The most common type is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy which occurs only in boys. All types of muscular dystrophy are genetic even though other family members may not have the condition.

S PINA B IFIDA Sometimes, a baby's spinal cord do not develop normally during pregnancy. When this happens, the child can have a physical disability called spina bifida. The type and amount of disability caused by spina bifida will depend upon the level of the abnormality of the spinal cord. Children with spina bifida may have: partial or full paralysis of the legs difficulties with bowel and bladder control. They may also have: hydrocephalus (high pressure on the brain because of fluid not being drained away as normal) bone and joint deformities (they may not grow normally) curvature (bending) of the spine.

C EREBRAL P ALSY Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the parts of the brain which control movement during the early stages of development. In most cases, this damage occurs during pregnancy. However, damage can sometimes occur during birth and from brain injuries in early infancy (such as lack of oxygen from near drowning, meningitis, head injury or being shaken). Children with cerebral palsy may have difficulties with: posture movement of body parts or the whole body muscle weakness or tightness involuntary muscle movements (spasms) balance and coordination talking and eating.

F OR T EACHERS … For students with physical handicaps, self-image is extremely important. Teachers need to ensure that the child's self image is positive. Physically handicapped students are aware of the fact that they are physically different that most others and that there are certain things they cannot do. Peers can be cruel to other children with physical handicaps and become involved in teasing, casting insulting remarks and excluding physically handicapped children from games and group type activities. Physically handicapped children want to succeed and participate as much as they can and this needs to be encouraged and fostered by the teacher. The focus needs to be on what the child CAN do - not can't do.

H OW CAN WE HELP IN THE CLASSROOM ? 1. Physically handicapped children long to be normal and be seen as normal as much as possible. Focus on what they can do at all times. 2. Find out what the child's strengths are and capitalize on them. These children need to feel successful too! 3. Keep your expectations of the physically handicapped child high. This child is capable of achieving. 4. Never accept rude remarks, name calling or teasing from other children. Sometimes other children need to be taught about physical disabilities to develop respect and acceptance. 5. Compliment appearance from time to time. 6. Make adjustments and accommodations whenever possible to enable this child to participate. 7. Never pity the physically handicapped child, they do not want your pity. 8. Take the opportunity when the child is absent to teach the rest of the class about physical handicaps, this will help foster understanding and acceptance. 9. Take frequent 1 to 1 time with the child to make sure that he/she is aware that you're there to help when needed.