Physical Disabilities: The First Step Is Understanding
November 05, 2007
by
findingDulcinea Staff
Physical disabilities come in a range of forms, and they stem from a variety of causes. On the Web, you will find sites that provide resources to help you understand, find ways to limit the impact of, and get support for your physical disability.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat are Physical Disabilities?
Taking time to learn about a physical disability is perhaps one of the most effective ways to ... read more »
Types of Physical Therapy and Treatment Centers
With treatment or some type of therapy, it is possible to overcome or reduce the effects of certain ... read more »
Coping with Physical Disability
Physical disabilities create both logistical and emotional challenges that present themselves ... read more »
Children and Physical Disabilities
With the helpful instruction provided by these Web sites, you'll be able to teach your children how to cope with their own physical disabilities or how to respond sensitively to a friend or loved one with a disability.
Dulcinea's Insight
- By learning as much as possible about your child's disability (or another child's disability) before attempting to explain a particular condition, you will likely feel more equipped to answer any questions that arise and alleviate any fears your child might have.
- Some of the sites below, including KidsHealth.org, label their content clearly by age group, making it easy for you to consider your child's age level and mental and emotional maturity when determining what material to read.
Dulcinea's Picks
To learn about your child's disability …
KidsHealth.org
is a thorough, health-oriented site for young children, teenagers, and their parents. Select the age group that best fits your needs, and then type a specific condition or disability in the search box for more information. If you're not quite sure what you're looking for, just type "physical disability" to net the most results. You can browse through article titles from there.
The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)
is an information source for disabilities in children, ranging from infants to teenagers. NICHCY offers research information on childhood disabilities, and a list of disability resources for all 50 states. You might find it easier to search for a specific topic on this site by reviewing the "A–Z Topics" section.
KidSource OnLine
provides health-care information and education about children. This site addresses education issues and physical disabilities, and it provides suggestions about parenting. To access information about physical, learning, and other disabilities, click the "Health" link. KidSource also features forums where parents can discuss challenges they and their children are facing. Registration is required to post on the message boards.
For activities for children with physical disabilities …
Sports and Recreational Activities for Children with Physical Disabilities
explains how disabled children can participate in sporting events. This article connects to multiple Web sites and articles dedicated to helping disabled children enjoy sports and focus on abilities, rather than disabilities. This site hasn’t been updated since 2004 but the information is still quite valuable.
Physical Disabilities Camps
is a directory of summer camps around the United States and Canada for children with physical disabilities. Not every state has a camp listed.
For help explaining a physical disability to siblings or others …
Donna Albrecht
writes an article about how to explain your child's disability to others. The article also provides links to other helpful resources about disabilities. The article is in PDF format.
Parenting and Child Health
has a page about physical disabilities, their causes, the roles of medical professionals in treating your child, and what you can do to help your child work with a disability. Check the related topics for information about developmental delays and advice about helping brothers and sisters cope with a sibling's disability.
eHow
details 12 steps for teaching your child about physical impairments in others.
Physical Disability Laws and Rights
There are laws, health-care policies, and other resources in place to help people with ... read more »
Support Groups for Those with Physical Disabilities
Talking to others who have a physical disability or care for people with disabilities can sometimes ... read more »
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