Support for disabled

Aphysical disability is a condition that limits or prevents normal body movement and control, making it difficult for a person to perform the activities associated with daily living. Examples of physical disabilities include: muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, heart defects and amputations. The term “multiple disabilities” is used to diagnose a situation where a person with a physical disability has another disability, like epilepsy.

Physical disabilities are caused by various factors, including: inherited or genetic disorders, birth complications, illness, accidents and injury.

There are things parents and carers can do to prevent certain physical disabilities in their children, for example mothers could follow a healthy diet before and during pregnancy; children could be taken for immunisations; and children could be educated on general safety to prevent brain and spine injury.

Parents and carers are often the first to notice that a child might have a physical impairment.

The official diagnosis is made by a medical professional like a doctor. The doctor works with other medical professionals, like physiotherapists and occupational thera- pists to provide further support for the child.

The medical professionals work closely with parents and carers to help the child with various aspects of daily life, like eating, walking and bathing.

Medical services also include arrangements for the child to acquire special equipment and assistive devices. Parents and carers can receive counselling to help them cope with the emotional challenges of caring for a child with a physical disability.

Despite the positive aspects, people with physical disabilities often find it difficult to access facilities and services. They are mostly from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and rely heavily on free public health care.

This puts a strain on the health care system, where facilities are under-staffed and under-resourced.

For example, if a person is eligible to receive a wheel chair, they are placed on a waiting list, and the average waiting time is three months. This is of great concern, because people with disabilities need special equipment and assistive devices to function as equal and productive members of our community.

All things considered, it’s easy for people with physical disabilities to become despondent and give up hope. As a community, we should reflect and find ways to encourage and support people with physical disabilities.

This column gives a brief overview of physical disabilities. For more information, contact The National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa (NCPPDSA): www.ncppdsa.org.za/ call 011 452 2774. • Nathan Ferreira is a practitioner in inclusive education and a proponent of inclusive communities. disABILITIES is a

monthly column. natjfer@yahoo.com