physical disabilities and impairment of sensesphysical disabilities adapting the environment to meet...

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES AND PHYSICAL DISABILITIES AND IMPAIRMENT OF SENSESIMPAIRMENT OF SENSES

VISUAL IMPAIRMENTSVISUAL IMPAIRMENTS

Partial or complete inability to seePartial or complete inability to seeBlindnessBlindnessBlurred visionBlurred visionHalosHalosBlind spotsBlind spotsFloatersFloaters

VISUAL IMPAIRMENTSVISUAL IMPAIRMENTS

Blindness is the lack of vision or loss of Blindness is the lack of vision or loss of vision that can not be corrected with vision that can not be corrected with glasses or contact lensesglasses or contact lensesBlindness may be partial (very limited Blindness may be partial (very limited vision) or complete (no perception of vision) or complete (no perception of light)light)Vision worse than 20/200 or a field of Vision worse than 20/200 or a field of vision less than 20 degrees in the better vision less than 20 degrees in the better eye is legally blind in most states eye is legally blind in most states

VISUAL IMPAIRMENTSVISUAL IMPAIRMENTSMost persons with some visual impairment Most persons with some visual impairment have some useful sight and may recognize have some useful sight and may recognize perception of form, movement, or lightperception of form, movement, or light5% of the persons who are legally blind 5% of the persons who are legally blind have no vision or light perceptionhave no vision or light perceptionVisual impairments are often present at Visual impairments are often present at birth, but those who acquired their birth, but those who acquired their impairment after birth will generally be impairment after birth will generally be able to create mental images of unseen able to create mental images of unseen objects based upon prior sight. objects based upon prior sight.

VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS:VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS:Leading causes of blindnessLeading causes of blindness

DiabetesDiabetesGlaucomaGlaucomaMacular degenerationMacular degenerationAccidents such as chemical burns, Accidents such as chemical burns, injuries from injuries from bungiebungie cords, fishing cords, fishing hooks, fireworks, racket balls and hooks, fireworks, racket balls and similar similar ojectsojects

HEARING IMPAIRMENTSHEARING IMPAIRMENTS

Partial or complete inability to hearPartial or complete inability to hearAlthough only a small percentage of Although only a small percentage of persons with hearing impairments have persons with hearing impairments have extreme hearing loss (greater than 90 extreme hearing loss (greater than 90 decibels in the better ear), those who do decibels in the better ear), those who do are unable to understand amplified are unable to understand amplified speech. speech. Preventing hearing loss is more effective Preventing hearing loss is more effective than treating it after damage has occurredthan treating it after damage has occurred

HEARING IMPAIRMENTSHEARING IMPAIRMENTSCommon causes of hearing lossCommon causes of hearing loss

Inability to hear may be caused by Inability to hear may be caused by injuryinjuryinfectioninfectiontumorstumorsanomalies at birthanomalies at birthdegeneration due to aging, degeneration due to aging, arteriosclerosis, and diabetesarteriosclerosis, and diabetesOccupational or recreational exposure to Occupational or recreational exposure to loud noisesloud noises

HEARING IMPAIRMENTSHEARING IMPAIRMENTS

Hearing impairments occurring at Hearing impairments occurring at birth often result in delayed language birth often result in delayed language development and difficulty with development and difficulty with conceptual thinkingconceptual thinking

IMPAIRMENT OF SENSESIMPAIRMENT OF SENSES

Persons with impaired senses often feel isolatedPersons with impaired senses often feel isolatedLife is “full of surprises” for things often happen Life is “full of surprises” for things often happen suddenly and without warningsuddenly and without warningPhysical ability is usually normalPhysical ability is usually normalIntellectual ability is usually normal, but without Intellectual ability is usually normal, but without the lack of usual sensory stimulation, they may the lack of usual sensory stimulation, they may seem below averageseem below averageEmotional characteristics may include feelings of Emotional characteristics may include feelings of fearfulness, anxiety, and depressionfearfulness, anxiety, and depressionSocial maturity of children maybe delayed, Social maturity of children maybe delayed, especially as this relates to the response of their especially as this relates to the response of their families toward their disabilityfamilies toward their disabilityPersons who are deaf are highly visual orientedPersons who are deaf are highly visual orientedPersons who are blind have increased sense of Persons who are blind have increased sense of touch and hearing. touch and hearing.


The degree of impairment and the age at The degree of impairment and the age at which it was experienced has a lot to do which it was experienced has a lot to do with the adaptations of the individual and with the adaptations of the individual and his/her ability to receive instruction in his/her ability to receive instruction in alternative ways.alternative ways.Persons who are visually or hearing Persons who are visually or hearing impaired have often experienced much impaired have often experienced much frustration and projects should be planned frustration and projects should be planned so that they do not increase frustration. so that they do not increase frustration. Persons who are visually or hearing Persons who are visually or hearing impaired may seem to lack initiative and impaired may seem to lack initiative and may require additional instruction.may require additional instruction.


Projects for persons who are visually impaired Projects for persons who are visually impaired should include high contrast lettering, large should include high contrast lettering, large lettering and contrasting colorslettering and contrasting colorsRecording instructions material would also be Recording instructions material would also be helpful.helpful.All directions should be clear and concise and All directions should be clear and concise and include physical demonstrations. include physical demonstrations. Enable visually impaired persons to touch Enable visually impaired persons to touch demonstrations and be close enough to see demonstrations and be close enough to see demonstrations if some sight is possible. demonstrations if some sight is possible. Orientation to the work area is very important; Orientation to the work area is very important; persons with visual impairments should be persons with visual impairments should be encouraged to walk around and explore the encouraged to walk around and explore the environment before beginning the task.environment before beginning the task.


To gain the attention of a person with severe To gain the attention of a person with severe hearing impairment, tap the person on the arm hearing impairment, tap the person on the arm or wave your hand near his or her visual field. or wave your hand near his or her visual field. When using speech, always face the person with When using speech, always face the person with a hearing impairment and do not slow or a hearing impairment and do not slow or exaggerate your speech. exaggerate your speech. Written instructions should be expressed in short, Written instructions should be expressed in short, clear sentences and difficult vocabulary words clear sentences and difficult vocabulary words should be avoided.should be avoided.Children with hearing impairments often appear Children with hearing impairments often appear to be hyperactive, but their behavior frequently to be hyperactive, but their behavior frequently results from difficulty communicating without the results from difficulty communicating without the hearing world. hearing world.

PHYSICAL DISABILITIESPHYSICAL DISABILITIES

Physical disabilities include those Physical disabilities include those conditions related to: conditions related to: heart heart vascular systemvascular systemlungslungsskeletal systems skeletal systems muscular systems muscular systems

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:Amputation and Orthopedic RehabilitationAmputation and Orthopedic Rehabilitation

earlier in life the more common causes of earlier in life the more common causes of amputation are accidents usually involving amputation are accidents usually involving automobiles or other heavy machinery automobiles or other heavy machinery later in life causes such as poor circulation to later in life causes such as poor circulation to extremities are an additional causeextremities are an additional causePhysical strength and ability is reduced even with Physical strength and ability is reduced even with orthoticorthotic and prosthetic devicesand prosthetic devicesPsychologically the individual may not reel like a Psychologically the individual may not reel like a whole person, impacting their selfwhole person, impacting their self--image, selfimage, self--esteem and ability to return to activities enjoyed esteem and ability to return to activities enjoyed before the lossbefore the lossIncreased selfIncreased self--consciousness may lead to social consciousness may lead to social withdrawal and depression, motivation and withdrawal and depression, motivation and readjustment to a fulfilling lifestylereadjustment to a fulfilling lifestyle

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:ARTHRITISARTHRITIS

Inflammation of one or more joints Inflammation of one or more joints and breakdown of cartilage which and breakdown of cartilage which normally protects the joint, reduces normally protects the joint, reduces wear and prevents pain when the wear and prevents pain when the joint is impactedjoint is impactedMany forms of arthritisMany forms of arthritisOsteoarthritis is the most common Osteoarthritis is the most common formform

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT (stroke)CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT (stroke)

interruption of blood flow to a portion of the brain due to interruption of blood flow to a portion of the brain due to blockage or occlusionblockage or occlusionthrombosis is a clot that originates at a certain point and thrombosis is a clot that originates at a certain point and prevents oxygenated blood from proceeding further down prevents oxygenated blood from proceeding further down the arterythe arteryembolism is a clot that originates somewhere else in the embolism is a clot that originates somewhere else in the body, breaks loose and travels to a point where it gets body, breaks loose and travels to a point where it gets stuck and prevents blood from flowing furtherstuck and prevents blood from flowing furtherhemorrhagic stroke occurs where a blood vessel pops, hemorrhagic stroke occurs where a blood vessel pops, typically due to an aneurysm. An aneurysm occurs when typically due to an aneurysm. An aneurysm occurs when there is a weakness in a portion of a blood vessel and there is a weakness in a portion of a blood vessel and pressure causes this weak area to balloon out, leaking pressure causes this weak area to balloon out, leaking blood into the brain cavity instead of supplying it to the blood into the brain cavity instead of supplying it to the brain cells. brain cells. Roughly 500,000 people each year have strokes in the U.S. Roughly 500,000 people each year have strokes in the U.S.

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT (stroke)CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT (stroke)

Contributing factors may include Contributing factors may include HypertensionHypertensionArteriosclerosisArteriosclerosisCongenital vascular weaknessCongenital vascular weaknessDisruption of blood flow to a part of the Disruption of blood flow to a part of the brain results in death of the cells and loss brain results in death of the cells and loss of the functions that they controlled. of the functions that they controlled. Paralysis or weakening results in the side Paralysis or weakening results in the side of the body opposite the side of the brain of the body opposite the side of the brain that has been affected. that has been affected.

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT (stroke)CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT (stroke)Due to the vast complexity of human nature and Due to the vast complexity of human nature and notably the human brain, the consequences of a notably the human brain, the consequences of a cerebrovascularcerebrovascular accident on the functional ability accident on the functional ability of an individual vary greatly. of an individual vary greatly. The effects of the lesion depend on the functional The effects of the lesion depend on the functional responsibilities of the part of the brain damaged. responsibilities of the part of the brain damaged. Since control centers in the brain are usually Since control centers in the brain are usually interrelated and changes in function affect many interrelated and changes in function affect many faculties, this dramatically increases the faculties, this dramatically increases the complexity of the rehabilitative process. complexity of the rehabilitative process. Since the right and left sides of the brain control Since the right and left sides of the brain control

different psychological functions, stroke victims different psychological functions, stroke victims often have very different changes in their mental often have very different changes in their mental abilities.abilities.

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:MULTIPLE SCLEROSISMULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

progressive disease of the nervous system progressive disease of the nervous system It is characterized by a slow decomposition of the integrity of It is characterized by a slow decomposition of the integrity of the the myelin sheath insulating the nerve fibers which short circuits myelin sheath insulating the nerve fibers which short circuits nerve signals and results in fatigue. nerve signals and results in fatigue. This degeneration results in plaques, which affect the brain andThis degeneration results in plaques, which affect the brain andspinal cord. spinal cord. Physical symptoms depend on the location of the plaques and can Physical symptoms depend on the location of the plaques and can include motor weakness, sensory loss, visual difficulties, tremoinclude motor weakness, sensory loss, visual difficulties, tremors rs and ataxia. Progression o f the disease causes loss of range ofand ataxia. Progression o f the disease causes loss of range ofmotion, motion, paraparesisparaparesis and eventually paraplegia. and eventually paraplegia. Cognitive function, memory, and abstract reasoning decline. Cognitive function, memory, and abstract reasoning decline. Attention span and Attention span and judgementjudgement may also be affected. may also be affected. Social skills decline with loss of physical abilities. Social skills decline with loss of physical abilities. Persons with multiple sclerosis may have mood swings, low selfPersons with multiple sclerosis may have mood swings, low self--esteem and lack of motivation for therapy.esteem and lack of motivation for therapy.

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION (heart attack)MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION (heart attack)

Most commonly caused by a clogging of the Most commonly caused by a clogging of the arteries which cuts off blood supply to a portion arteries which cuts off blood supply to a portion of the heart muscle, killing the affected cellsof the heart muscle, killing the affected cellsPumping efficiency is reduced and the individual Pumping efficiency is reduced and the individual must make adjustments to their lifestyle and must make adjustments to their lifestyle and rebuild their strength and endurancerebuild their strength and enduranceChances of a heart attack increase with age, Chances of a heart attack increase with age, improper diet, degree of obesity and typeimproper diet, degree of obesity and type--A A behaviorbehaviorPsychological effects often include depression due Psychological effects often include depression due to tension and anxiety. to tension and anxiety. Fears concerning death, reoccurrence and lost Fears concerning death, reoccurrence and lost abilities.abilities.SelfSelf--esteem may be affected and lack of esteem may be affected and lack of motivationmotivationActivities requiring a degree of physical stress Activities requiring a degree of physical stress may have to be redefined and this may lead to may have to be redefined and this may lead to

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:PARKINSON’S DISEASEPARKINSON’S DISEASE

Slowly progressing neurological condition caused by Slowly progressing neurological condition caused by degeneration of neurons in the regions of the braindegeneration of neurons in the regions of the brainIt may be caused by carbon monoxide and manganese It may be caused by carbon monoxide and manganese poisoning, encephalitis, senile brain changes, and poisoning, encephalitis, senile brain changes, and arteriosclerosisarteriosclerosisIt usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 80It usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 80Physical symptoms include a gradual increase of muscular Physical symptoms include a gradual increase of muscular rigidity and weakness, slowing of response to voluntary rigidity and weakness, slowing of response to voluntary movements and characteristic shuffling gaitmovements and characteristic shuffling gaitGeneral reduction of range of motion and tremors reduce General reduction of range of motion and tremors reduce fine motor skillsfine motor skillsPsychological effects usually center around loss of Psychological effects usually center around loss of functional ability.functional ability.The outlook for the future may seem hopeless and this may The outlook for the future may seem hopeless and this may affect motivation toward therapy and life in general; affect motivation toward therapy and life in general; depression and withdrawal may occur depression and withdrawal may occur

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:SPINAL CORD TRAUMASPINAL CORD TRAUMA

Occurs when the spinal cord is traumatized or Occurs when the spinal cord is traumatized or severed, usually in an accident, fall or by tumors, severed, usually in an accident, fall or by tumors, disease or congenital abnormalitiesdisease or congenital abnormalitiesWeakness and loss of physical function occurs in Weakness and loss of physical function occurs in all areas below the point of injuryall areas below the point of injuryLoss of mobility, extended length of rehabilitation Loss of mobility, extended length of rehabilitation and permanent loss of function cause anxiety, and permanent loss of function cause anxiety, fear and depressionsfear and depressionsHopelessness and lack of motivation can have Hopelessness and lack of motivation can have strong effects on an individual’s attitude toward strong effects on an individual’s attitude toward rehabilitation and the future quality of life.rehabilitation and the future quality of life.


Knowledge of their expected capabilities Knowledge of their expected capabilities provided by a physician should be an provided by a physician should be an important part of developing a treatment important part of developing a treatment program. program. Discussing their abilities with them can be Discussing their abilities with them can be reassuring to them and help the therapist reassuring to them and help the therapist plan activities. plan activities. If the therapist feels that the individual is If the therapist feels that the individual is being overly protective, discussion with being overly protective, discussion with physical therapists of with other physical therapists of with other participants with similar disabilities may participants with similar disabilities may also be helpful.also be helpful.


Adapting the environment to meet the Adapting the environment to meet the restrictions of the disability is of considerable restrictions of the disability is of considerable importance. importance. Similarly, adapting the environment to meet their Similarly, adapting the environment to meet their physical stamina or ability to do strenuous physical stamina or ability to do strenuous activities is important. activities is important. Adaptive tools and techniques are often essential Adaptive tools and techniques are often essential if they are to acquire gardening as a hobby or to if they are to acquire gardening as a hobby or to continue it as a hobby that they participated in continue it as a hobby that they participated in before their before their disability.disability.FineFine and gross motor coordination physical and gross motor coordination physical strength, balance, etc. all must be considered in strength, balance, etc. all must be considered in adapting the environments, task or toolsadapting the environments, task or tools

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