What is Physical Impairment/ Chronic Health?
Basic information
People with physical impairment struggle with the inability to move or complete motor activities. Physical impairment and chronic health may occur due to birth defect, accidents, old age, or due to diseases. The lack of muscle strength may sometimes contribute to other disabilities such as impaired speech, memory loss and hearing loss. The severity, symptoms and treatment of such physical barriers vary, making some able to function independently while others may require full time assistance. “Examples of common chronic illnesses may include such varied illnesses as cerebral palsy, asthma, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome”(Goldberg, 2012, p.1). Due to the toll the limitations have on the individual, a person may not just suffer from physical limitations, but from embarrassment, loneliness… |
Assessment
Assessment should gather up information about the person’s intellectual, social/emotional, sensory, physical and communicative abilities to be able to evaluate his/her ability to cope with daily living routines. A list of specific strategies is put together to address his/her needs.
Some teaching suggestions
Assessment should gather up information about the person’s intellectual, social/emotional, sensory, physical and communicative abilities to be able to evaluate his/her ability to cope with daily living routines. A list of specific strategies is put together to address his/her needs.
Some teaching suggestions
- Always make sure the lesson is accessible for those who may have trouble attending
- Deal with lack of concentration and impatient behavior in an understanding manner
- Allow the person to feel valued and worthy
- Avoid putting the student in a situation where he/she might be embarrassed (not being able to do what students their age can do; i.e. jumping on a trampoline).
- Always be prepare to accommodate individuals (make sure he/she can get to place in the least-stressful way possible)
- Offer them equal opportunities, when possible, to participate in everything