Physical Disability Awareness

Advice and Strategies for Teaching Students with a Disability

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What is a Physical Disability?

Physical Disability Awareness Brochure PDF [151kb]

A physical disability is one that affects the person's mobility and or dexterity. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates that at least 6% of Australians over the age of 5 years have mobility disabilities. Physical disabilities can be permanent, intermittent or temporary. Physical disabilities can be caused by:

congenital factors
trauma/accident
infection
degeneration
disease
chronic medical conditions

Mobility impairments vary from person to person and may include problems with balance, gait and co-ordination; dizziness and weakness; pain and paralysis. Aids such as crutches, a walking stick or a wheelchair may be used. Sometimes, people with physical disabilities may have involuntary movement of the muscles. Some conditions may go into remission; others may come and go with no particular pattern, or there may be gradual deterioration.

Among the most common permanent disorders are partial or total paralysis, amputation, severe spinal injury, types of arthritis, cerebral palsy, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, post-polio syndrome and spina bifida. Additionally, some respiratory and cardiac diseases may affect mobility. Any of these may impair strength, speed, endurance, coordination and dexterity.

Positive Interactions in the Learning Environment

Do not assume people with a physical disability cannot comprehend because of physical appearance.
Where possible, position yourself at the same level as the person when communicating.
Look at the person directly.
If you think the person may requiresome assistance, ask first and be willing to accept 'no' for an answer. If the person says 'yes', ask what kind of help would be appropriate.
If waiting is necessary, ask if theperson requires a chair.
If teaching resources need to be carried, it may be helpful to offer to carry them for the student.
If you are in a lift when a person with a physical disability is entering or leaving, hold the door open to ensure the person's safety.
People who are dependent on taxis to get around may need to book the cab by phone, or be advised when the cab arrives.

People using wheelchairs

People who use wheelchairs have varying degrees of difficulty with mobility. Some use their arms to propel the chair; others use a motorised wheelchair, which is usually heavier and cannot be easily lifted or folded into a car. Respect the person's personal space. Stand or sit clear of a wheelchair as it is often considered a part of the person's body space. Do not use the term 'wheelchair bound'. A wheelchair is an enabling device not a restriction.

Be aware that heavy doors can be awkward or impossible for a person in a wheelchair. Offer to reach things on high shelves. If possible and appropriate, sit down to speak with a person in a wheelchair so that you are at the same eye level.

Use of a wheelchair usually means it takes longer to get from one place to another; bear this in mind if the person is late for a class. If the person carries their pads, notebooks and pens in a bag hung over the back of the chair, they might appreciate an offer of assistance to get them out or put them away.

Pushing a wheelchair

Always ask the person if assistance is needed and what they require. When pushing a wheelchair do not move too quickly. To negotiate a step or gutter while pushing a wheelchair, reverse the chair down the step then ease the front wheels to the ground level once down. To go up a step, you may need to tilt the chair backwards enough to land the front wheels on the higher level, then lift the rest. Never tilt a wheelchair forward or backward without the occupant's knowledge or consent.

Access Considerations

Accessibility encompasses:

the environment leading into and within the classroom or campus
access to learning

Physical access suitable for people with disabilities benefits everyone and often helps address occupational health and safety requirements as well. Ergonomic furniture, page turning devices and document holders may be helpful. Extra time or a scribe may be needed for someone prone to fatigue or with poor dexterity. The student may also have a carer or personal assistant. Absence or lateness may be caused by transport problems, weather conditions, waiting for lifts or personal care assistance, lift or wheelchair breakdown.

Assistive Technology

Voice or speech recognition programs allow the user to dictate information into the computer through a microphone and, to varying degrees, control the computer by voice.

Some examples:

Other Sources of Support

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