what is physical impairment?
The physical capacity to move, coordinate actions, or perform physical activities is significantly limited, impaired, or delayed and is exhibited by difficulties in one or more of the following areas: physical and motor tasks; independent movement; performing basic life functions. The term shall include severe orthopedic impairments or impairments caused by congenital anomaly, cerebral palsy, amputations, and fractures if such impairment adversely affects a student's educational performance.
For more information: http://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/links/pi.html
For more information: http://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/links/pi.html
types of physical impairments
Orthopedic Impairments - Causes vary, but some examples include:
Cerebral Palsy
Damage to different parts of the brain that results in problems in muscle tone and movement caused by prematurity, intrauterine development, lack of blood flow or oxygen, etc.
Spina Bifida
Congenital disorder resulting when bones surrounding the spinal cord do not close or grow together
Muscular Dystrophy
Inherited (usually from the mother) or gene mutation causing muscle weakening
For more information, please visit: http://sped.wikidot.com/physical-disabilities
Cerebral Palsy
Damage to different parts of the brain that results in problems in muscle tone and movement caused by prematurity, intrauterine development, lack of blood flow or oxygen, etc.
Spina Bifida
Congenital disorder resulting when bones surrounding the spinal cord do not close or grow together
Muscular Dystrophy
Inherited (usually from the mother) or gene mutation causing muscle weakening
For more information, please visit: http://sped.wikidot.com/physical-disabilities
Please note that some Physical Impairments are acquired which are caused by:
- Injuries and accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries: the leading cause
- Spinal-cord injuries
- Injuries and accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries: the leading cause
- Spinal-cord injuries
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