Understand Physical Disability

UNIT 34: UNDERSTAND PHYSICAL DISABILITY – LEARNING OUTCOME 2 2.1 Define the term “physical disability” Physical disability pertains to total or partial loss of a person’s bodily functions (e.g. walking, gross motor skills, bladder control etc) and total or partial loss of a part of the body (e.g. a person with an amputation). Simply stated, a physical disability is any type of physical condition that significantly impacts one or more major life activities. That is a pretty broad definition, but the types of physical disabilities, their causes, and the manner in which they impact a person 's life are wide-ranging and virtually limitless. Any impairment which limits the physical function of limbs, fine bones, or gross motor ability is a physical impairment, not necessarily a physical disability. The social model of disability defines physical disability as manifest when impairment meets a non-universal design or program, e.g. a person who cannot climb stairs may have a physical impairment of the knees when putting stress on them from an elevated position such as with climbing or descending stairs. If a lift was provided, or a building had services on the first floor, this impairment would not become a disability. Other physical disabilities include impairments which limit other activities of daily living, such as severe sleep disorders. 2.2 Describe the following terminology used in relation to physical disability: - congenital - acquired
- neurological
A congenital disability is a medical condition which you are born with. Congenital disorders are caused by development problems with the foetus before birth, congenital disorders are also genetic and can be passed down from one or both parents. Examples of congenital disabilities: • Cerebral palsy

• Cystic fibrosis
• Spina bifida
• Congenital heart conditions
• Muscular dystrophy
• Congenital hip disorder

An acquired disability is a medical condition that you get later on in life they can develop