As part of the upcoming International Day of People with Disability, Tender Loving Care Disability Services releases articles that shed light on various disabilities. These articles aim to increase awareness about the individuals we serve and our commitment to their well-being.
For the last entry on this initiative, we feature Physical Disability.
Get to Know About Physical Disability
Physical disability refers to impairments that affect an individual’s mobility, dexterity or stamina, impacting their ability to perform everyday tasks. These disabilities can result from various causes, encompassing congenital conditions, injuries, or progressive illnesses.
Identifying and understanding these diverse causes of physical disabilities is crucial in addressing their effects on individuals and society. Early detection, possible from infancy, allows for timely interventions, specialised care, and support tailored to the individual’s specific needs, fostering better outcomes and improving their quality of life.
Disabilities within Physical Disability
Understanding different physical disabilities sheds light on conditions affecting people’s movement and daily function. These conditions arise from various causes and present unique challenges in mobility and daily life.
- Cerebral Palsy: Affects movement and posture due to brain damage before or during birth, causing difficulties in coordination and muscle control.
- Muscular Dystrophy: Weakens and degenerates muscles over time, impacting mobility and strength, potentially leading to severe disability.
- Spinal Cord Injury: Results from trauma or disease, causing paralysis or limited mobility, significantly impacting independence.
- Amputation: Losing limbs due to injury, illness, or surgery creates challenges in movement, requiring adaptation and rehabilitation.
- Arthritis: Inflamed joints cause pain and restrict movement, affecting mobility and daily activities.
Creating an Inclusive Environment for People with Physical Disability
It’s vital to foster an inclusive environment for those with physical disabilities. This ensures equal participation, enhances well-being, and promotes empathy and understanding.
To create such an environment, here are key considerations:
At Home
- Ensure wheelchair-accessible ramps and widened doorways.
- Install grab bars and modified fixtures in bathrooms.
- Arrange furniture for easy mobility.
- Install tactile flooring or surfaces to aid navigation and spatial orientation.
- Provide adequate lighting and contrasting colours.
At School
- Implement ramps and elevators for accessibility.
- Offer varied learning materials.
- Train teachers in inclusive teaching methods.
- Foster a culture of respect and understanding.
- Use comfortable seating and ergonomic support, allowing relaxation and relief during school hours.
At the Office
- Provide adjustable desks and chairs.
- Ensure accessible entrances and restrooms.
- Offer assistive technology and software.
- Educate staff on inclusion practices.
- Implement flexible work schedules.
At Tender Loving Care Disability Services, we launched an initiative that fosters inclusivity within our workplace, the Frapp & Capp Coffee Shack, where participants are valued employees. To learn more, refer to our Frapp & Capp Grand Opening.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Understanding physical disabilities and fostering inclusivity is essential for a harmonious society. It promotes equal opportunities, breaks down barriers, and enriches communal diversity. This aligns with the upcoming International Day of People with Disability, emphasising unity in achieving Sustainable Development Goals alongside individuals with disabilities.
By embracing and accommodating physical diversity, we can truly achieve unity and progress. Let us join hands; together, #WeAllCan create a world that values and supports the diverse abilities of all individuals.
REFERENCES:
- Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. (n.d.). “Spotlight: Inclusive education - teaching students with disability.” Retrieved from https://www.aitsl.edu.au/.
- JobAccess. (2016). “Accessibility Checklist for Employers.” Retrieved from https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/.
- International Day of People with Disability. (n.d.). About IDPWD. Retrieved from https://www.idpwd.com.au/.
About the Author
Tender Loving Care Disability Services is a registered NDIS provider that offers dedicated support to individuals with disabilities across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and other regions in Australia.
