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Overview of Needs

  • Controlling movement/fine and gross motor skills
  • Mobility and movement around school

What you might notice

  • May become socially isolated.
  • May become fatigued easily due to the extra effort required
  • May miss important information.
  • May need to be positioned in a certain place in the classroom.

YOU MUST CHECK THE PROFILES OF THESE STUDENTS FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT ADJUSTMENTS YOU NEED TO MAKE IN YOUR CLASSROOMS.

Strategies

  • Say pupil’s name before speaking to them and ensure know you are addressing them.
  • Provide opportunities for multi-sensory and ‘hands-on’ learning, especially for pupils who may lack context or whose experiences outside of school may be limited.
  • Minimise background noise.
  • Provide notes, rather than expecting pupils to make them from the board.
  • These pupils will often have a lot of one-to-one support across school, so ensure your planning provides plenty of opportunities for pupils to work independently.

Resources, Interventions & Activities

Targeted Interventions for School Children with Physical Disabilities

1. Education and Learning Support

  • Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Support: Schools in the UK provide a range of interventions for children with physical disabilities under the SEND framework. These interventions are designed to ensure that the child can fully participate in the curriculum and school life.
    • Modified Curriculum: Adjustments to the curriculum to ensure accessibility, such as using larger print, tactile materials, or audio resources for children with physical disabilities.
    • Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs): These plans outline the child’s specific needs and provide tailored support to help them succeed academically.
  • Accessible Educational Resources: Teachers may provide large print or audio books, Braille, or digital learning tools for children with visual impairments or other physical disabilities.
    • Example: Audiobooks, digital textbooks, and interactive software designed to accommodate different physical disabilities.
  • Adapted Furniture and Equipment: Schools may provide specialized seating or desks for children with physical disabilities to ensure they can participate fully in classroom activities.
    • Example: Height-adjustable desks, ergonomic seating, or customized chairs for children with mobility impairments or postural issues.

2. Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

  • Physiotherapy (PT): Physiotherapists can work with children to improve their physical mobility, strength, and flexibility, ensuring they can participate in physical activities and sports in school.
    • Example: A physiotherapist might work with a child to help them improve muscle strength and balance to navigate the school environment or participate in physical education (PE) lessons.
  • Occupational Therapy (OT): Occupational therapists support children with physical disabilities by teaching them strategies to perform everyday tasks (e.g., dressing, eating) and supporting their use of assistive devices (e.g., adapted keyboards, switches).
    • Example: An OT might work with a child on strategies to write more effectively or use an adaptive keyboard if they have limited hand mobility.
  • Support for Physical Education (PE): PE lessons may be adapted to ensure children with physical disabilities can participate. This might include adaptive sports like wheelchair basketball, swimming, or tailored physical activities that promote fitness and social inclusion.
    • Example: Wheelchair sports or modified games that allow children with different abilities to engage together.

3. Assistive Technology and Equipment

  • Communication Devices: For children with mobility or speech difficulties, there are a range of assistive technologies, such as speech-generating devices or voice recognition software that help them communicate more effectively.
    • Example: Devices like Proloquo2Go or Grid 3, which can assist children with speech impairments in communicating their needs.
  • Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids: Schools may provide customized wheelchairs, walking aids, or other mobility equipment to enable children with mobility impairments to navigate the school environment.
    • Example: Powered or manual wheelchairs, walking frames, or stair lifts.
  • Environmental Control Systems: These systems can allow children to control their environment (e.g., lighting, doors) through voice activation or switches.
    • Example: Voice-activated systems for controlling classroom technology (lights, projectors) or smart boards.

4. Social and Emotional Support

  • Peer Support and Social Inclusion: To ensure children with physical disabilities feel integrated into school life, buddy systems, peer mentoring, or support groups can be introduced to foster social inclusion.
    • Example: A peer buddy system in which a child with a physical disability is paired with a classmate to help them navigate the school day and participate in activities.
  • Counselling and Mental Health Support: Many children with physical disabilities may experience emotional or social challenges due to their condition. Schools may offer counselling services or group therapy to address mental health needs.
    • Example: Offering emotional support for a child who may feel isolated or anxious about being different from their peers.
  • School Staff Training: Teachers and staff are often trained in disability awareness to foster an inclusive, supportive environment for children with physical disabilities.
    • Example: Sensitivity training for teachers to better understand how to adapt their teaching strategies and classroom environment to accommodate children with physical disabilities.

5. Transition Support

  • Transition from Primary to Secondary School: For children moving from primary to secondary school, special focus is often given to ensure that the transition is smooth, both academically and socially.
    • Example: A transition plan involving additional support and communication between primary and secondary school staff to make sure the child has the right equipment and social integration.
  • Post-School Support: When students are preparing to leave school, support may be provided to ensure smooth transitions into work, further education, or independent living.
    • Example: Providing vocational training or support to help children with physical disabilities explore employment opportunities or post-school education.

Key UK Resources for Physical Disabilities in Schools

1. Scope

  • Overview: Scope provides resources and advice on ensuring that children with physical disabilities are supported in educational settings. They offer guidance on accessibility, inclusive teaching, and assistive technology.
  • Resources: Online resources, case studies, and practical advice on supporting children with disabilities in school.
  • Website: www.scope.org.uk

2. Disability Rights UK

  • Overview: Provides guidance on the rights of children with disabilities in education, ensuring that schools comply with the Equality Act 2010 and provide reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities.
  • Resources: Information on school policies, accessibility adjustments, and legal rights for children with disabilities.
  • Website: www.disabilityrightsuk.org

3. The National Disability Sport Organisation (NDSO)

  • Overview: Offers guidance and resources on adaptive sports and physical activities for children with disabilities, promoting social inclusion and fitness.
  • Resources: Adaptive sports programs, information on accessible sports venues, and tips for integrating physical activity into the school curriculum.

4. The British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT)

  • Overview: BAOT provides resources for school professionals on how to implement occupational therapy interventions, focusing on adapting the school environment to meet the needs of students with physical disabilities.
  • Resources: Training programs, guidance for OT professionals, and tips for working with children with physical disabilities in schools.
  • Website: www.rcot.co.uk

5. The Disabled Children’s Partnership

  • Overview: A coalition of charities providing support to families with disabled children, ensuring that schools provide inclusive education and appropriate accommodations.
  • Resources: Guides for parents and schools on supporting disabled children in the classroom, including accessing benefits and services.
  • Website: www.disabledchildrenspartnership.org.uk