Physical Disability

What is a Physical Disability?

A physical disability is one that affects the person’s mobility and/or dexterity.

Physical disabilities fall under the following headings:

  • Limited control of some or all voluntary muscles
  • Underdeveloped skeletal structure
  • Dysfunctional joints

Each person will have different causes, symptoms and management strategies making it difficult to generalise physical disabilities.

A physical disability may have existed since birth or it could be the result of an accident, illness, infection, disease, degeneration, medical condition or the result of congenital factors.

A person with a physical disability may require some assistance or the use of some sort of equipment to aid with mobility.

Implications

  • People with a mobility impairment rely on effective signage that is up to date and consistent in both style and placement.
  • Provide clear and frequent signage to direct people around the building and to decrease the need for assistance.
  • For people who use a wheelchair it is like a part of the person’s body; do not lean or hang on to the chair.
  • Offer assistance if it appears necessary, but do not assume a person with a disability will require or accept it.
  • Make sure that there is a clear pathway for a person in a wheelchair and do not leave articles such as chairs or boxes in areas that may block access.

Communication Strategies

  • When communicating with a person with a physical disability it is important to acknowledge that each person is an individual and should be approached as such.
  • Meet in a setting that is comfortable and does not cause anxiety or distraction.
  • Ask the person about the most appropriate way of communicating with them.
  • Do not assume that people with a physical disability cannot comprehend because of physical appearance.
  • Speak directly to the person and not with someone who maybe assisting them.
  • DON’T SHOUT. Speak in a tone appropriate to the setting.
  • Make eye contact.
  • Use an appropriate volume and tone in your voice.
  • Where possible, position yourself at the same level as the person.
  • Make sure the person has understood you. If necessary write the information down.
  • Check with the person about use of adaptive technology to aid with communication.

Links

 

We would like to acknowledge that this information was developed by TAFE NSW – Illawarra Institute.

This project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations under the National Disability Coordination Officer Program.  The views expressed in these materials are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.