physicallyhandicapped

Ø Low, normal or high IQ Ø Missing or distorted limbs Ø Limited or difficult hand, arm, and/or leg use Ø Tires easily Ø Needs a variety of mechanical devices Ø Needs special toileting considerations Ø Takes drugs which need to be monitored Ø Drools Ø Demonstrates speech difficulty Ø Unusual eye movement Ø Convulsions Ø Seams mentally slower than actually are Ø Has differing attitudes toward disability Ø Are not disabled in all areas Ø May have multiple handicaps
 * __Physically Handicapped__**
 * // Possible Characteristics //**

Ø Use eye contact Ø Have empathy, not sympathy and positive regard Ø View prosthetic devices matter-of-factly Ø Ask the student when and how you should assist him/her Ø Remove physical barriers in the library media center – aisles should be wide, desks high enough, and displays low enough for use with wheelchairs. Ø Integrate seating if possible Ø Structure activities so the student can participate with some degree of success Ø Do not have unreal expectations for improvement Ø Emphasize personal assets or achievement rather than comparing with peers Ø Know there is always some way to adapt materials and/or implementation Ø Find out what the student knows about his/her disability – from the student Ø Help the student find positive models in literature Ø Reposition non-ambulatory students frequently Ø Collaborate with classroom and all special education teacher(s) Ø Know emergency procedures for health emergencies which could occur with the student(s)
 * // Teaching Implications //**

Source - PSLA Special Needs publication, 1994