Physical Impairment
What Is A Physical Impairment?
A set of conditions that result in difficulties in movement, holding / grasping, movement, coordination and ability to perform physical activities.
Depending on the type and level of severity of these conditions, some people with physical impairment need to use wheelchairs, crutches, calipers among others.
Physical impairments can include:
- Conditions that affect the limbs, bones, joints, muscles or a combination of these e.g., polio, club foot, among others
- Loss of limb(s) e.g. through amputation
- Conditions that affect growth e.g., short stature
How to refer to a person with a physical impairment
Avoid
- Handicapped
- Physically Challenged
- Deformed
- Special
- Cripple
- Stunted
- Spastic /Spaz
- Gimp
- Wheelchair bouned
- Lame
Use
- Person with a physical impairment
- Person with a mobility/upper limb impairment (where applicable)
- Wheelchair user (if this applies)
Remember: ask for the respectful word to refer to individuals with physical impairments in your local language since some local terms may be considered offensive. Use person first language when appropriate. Prioritize the individual and use their names.
Most importantly, ask the person with the physical impairment the terms they prefer.
General tips for inclusion of people with a physical impairment
- Address the person directly: not their companion or assistant
- Try to place yourself at eye level with the person: (i.e., sitting in a chair or kneeling ).
- Don’t lean on or touch a wheelchair or any other assistive device.
- Do not act in a condescending way: especially by treating them childishly such as patting on their head or shoulder or using baby-ish language
- Ask if the person would like your assistance: Ask if they would like assistance pushing their wheelchair. Do not assume
- If a person is having a problem with opening a door, offer to assist.
- When telephoning a person with physical impairment, let the phone ring long enough to allow time to reach the phone.
- Feel free to use words like ‘run’ or ‘walk’ Wheelchair users use them as well.
- Do not remove people’s assistive devices (e.g., crutches, wheelchairs, artificial limbs) from where they have placed them. If you do temporarily, remember to return them to where the person has placed them initially.
- Ask how you can support: Most importantly, ask how they would like to be addressed, treated and supported.
Specific tips on how to include people with physical impairments in education/ training
- Planning: Include people with physical impairments in all stages of program panning
- Engage with local Organizations of People with Disabilities: particularly Associations of People with Physical Disabilities throughout the project cycle. They will have the best knowledge of specific accessibility challenges
- Ensure accessibility: of classroom/training venue and all facilities. Accessibility should not only be factored in for the classroom but common areas, toilets, meeting rooms, and other essential areas the students/trainees may need to visit. This includes consideration of roads and available transportation options.
- Set up training/classroom areas so individuals using wheelchair, crutches, etc. can move as independently as possible
- Breaks: Allow time to rest periods in training/lesson (as needed).
- Find out what useful assistive devices are needed to carry out an activity.
- Allow additional time in training for participants to complete activities.
- Ensure participants with physical impairments are part of all activities including those that may require physical or manual labor.
- Consider pairing or grouping ALL participants with others in program activities to support strengths and fill accessibility gaps.
- Involve community members to support whenever possible, this will not only raise awareness, but also promote the social inclusion of people with physical impairments
Specific tips on how to include people with physical impairments in employment
- Engage with local Organizations of People with Disabilities: particularly Associations of People with Physical Disabilities to understand the specific needs and how best to ensure accessibility at the workplace.
- Engage employees with physical impairment in all stages of program planning and implementation
- Workplace Accessibility: Ensure the workplace and meeting venues are accessible and have enough space to allow them to move as independently as possible
- Ensure employees with physical impairment are part of all activities even those that may require physical or manual labour
- Budget for additional transport costs, including hiring an accessible vehicle when needed, and for a personal assistant (if needed)