Physical Disability

A condition of such severe physical limitations or deficiency as to require special assistance in learning situations to provide the opportunity for educational achievement equivalent to that of pupils without exceptionalities who are of the same age or developmental level.

            Examples of physical disabilities:

            - Brain injury

            - Spina Bifida

            - Epilepsy

            - Cerebral Palsy

Traits found in these types of students

- nervous system disorders

- musculoskeletal conditions

- chronic health conditions

- hydrocephalus

- speech impairments

- visual impairments

- spasticity

- seizures

These may affect the student’s

- strength

- energy

- endurance/stamina

- motor functioning

- balance and coordination

- reflexes

- dexterity

- speech

- sensation and sensory skills

- regular attendance at school

Strategies to use in your classroom

            (1) Extra time when changing classrooms

(2) Extra time to complete assignments and class work

(3) Provide visual cues

(4) Break work and assignments into smaller tasks

(5) Development of computer technology skills

(6) Effective communication between parents and teacher

(7) Provide copies of notes

(8) Scribe or note-taker or tape recorder used in class

(9) Team student with peer

(10) Adapt assessment formats

(11) Allow use of computer

(12) Use of calculator

(13) Oral responses

(14) Quiet area for testing

(15) Use of assistive devices such as Kurzweil