Physical Handicap

Physically handicapped children are those with physical limitation or health problems. The limitations interfere with the learning. And because of these limitations they need special services, training, equipments and other facilities.
The most common condition and diseases that cause physical handicap are neurological impairment, musculoskeletal conditions and congenital malformation.

Neurological impairment is the damage or deterioration of nervous system. The example of this impairment is cerebral palsy (CP). This condition is characterized by paralysis, weaknesses, incoordination and other motor disfunction.

Spina bifida and polio are other examples of neurological impairment. Spina bifida is a congenital defect of opening in the bony spinal column that fails to close during the fetal development. Children with spina bifida may have paralysis at the lower limbs. Poliomyelities is a disease that attact the nerves along the spinal cord or brain.

Musculoskeletal conditions are the defects or diseases of the muscles and bones. These conditions involve problems at the legs, arms, joints or scolioses due to the diseases or accidents. These problems can make the children difficult to walk, stand, sit or use their hands.

Congenital malformations are defects because of the genetic factor contributed by the mother and/ or father. These defect may be caused by faulty chromosomes. This malformation is characterized by the missing limbs or phocomelia in which the limbs are extremely short.

Children with physical disability need certain devices like wheelchair, braces, and other facilities. They need opportunity to develop educationally, socially, and emotionally for their lives in as normal conditions as possible. For their daily activity they also need special assistance in term of mobility and occupational skills.