Introduction to Physical Disability

Know the importance of a person centred approach when working with individuals with a physical disability.

Learners need to understand the meaning of a 'person-centred' approach. This may include

• empowering individuals to make their own decisions
• respecting their opinions and values
• involving individuals in decision making

Examples may include:

• talking with the individual to find out what challenges they have and finding practical solutions
• making resources available so that the individual can decide when and where they can use them

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1

  Outline why it is important to recognise and value an individual with a physical disability as a person first.

• 1.2

  Give examples of how to use a person centred approach when working with individuals with a physical disability.

Know the main causes of physical disability.

Learner should be able to define the term disability as a physical condition that affects a person’s mobility, physical capacity, stamina or dexterity.

It is useful to also know the legal definition ‘a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial or long term negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities’ (Equality Act 2010)

Causes of physical disability may include:

• prenatal and perinatal complications
• genetic disorders
• injuries, illness, infection

Examples of conditions may include:

• brain or spinal injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, respiratory disorders, epilepsy, hearing and visual impairment

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1

  Define the term physical disability.

• 2.2

  Give examples of conditions that cause physical disability.

Know how the challenges of living with a physical disability can be addressed.

Factors that have a disabling effect on an individual may include:

• barriers that prevent independence e.g. can't access buildings, use public transport easily
• people's attitudes

Examples of how to challenge discriminatory attitudes may include:

• avoid stereotyping and making assumptions
• know how to respond when you come across situations of discrimination
• challenge, if appropriate

Effects on daily life may include:

• need for support to carry out day-to-day tasks
• use of specific aids to maintain independence
• prone to infection and ill health
• may not have any significant effects

Examples of how individuals can be in control of their care needs may include:

• adaptations to their home environment
• they are involved in decision making about their care needs

The importance of promoting independence may include:

• it is a human right
• encourage confidence, self-respect, purpose

Ways to promote inclusion may include:

• help to change attitudes by being a role model
• having a better understanding of prejudice and discrimination
• challenge own thinking
• changing the environment to support the person join in e.g. such as ramps
• having large print books or audio recordings
• using braille

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1

  Identify factors that have a disabling effect on an individual.

• 3.2

  Give examples of how to challenge discriminatory attitudes.

• 3.3

  Outline the effects that having a physical disability can have on an individual’s day to day life.

• 3.4

  Give examples of how individuals can be in control of their care needs.

• 3.5

  Outline the importance of promoting independence for individuals with physical disability.

• 3.6

  Give examples of ways to promote the inclusion of individuals with physical disability in society.