Disabilities, based on the classification made by the education sector, may be grouped into three categories, physical disabilities , acquired disabilities , and developmental disabilities

Physical disabilities appear right after a child is born. These are usually caused by illnesses, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, cystic fibrosis, and Down s syndrome. A child with cerebral palsy has lost his ability to control his movement. Sometimes, the mental capacity is reduced but sometimes it is not affected. A child with spina bifida has a defective portion in his spinal column. Having sensations below this portion is zero and this leads to physical impairment. Incontinence may also occur. A child with cystic fibrosis has an obstruction in the gastrointestinal and pulmonary systems. This illness is inherited. And a child with Down s syndrome becomes mentally retarded. If retardation is severe, the child can never take care of himself.

Children having the above physical disabilities would need mobility devices such as crutches, walking sticks, wheelchairs, stair lifts, and floor lifts.

Acquired disabilities can happen at any age. These are not selective and give no warning. This type of disability may be due to diseases such as AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer s disease. AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease (can also be transmitted via blood transfusion) that impairs a person s immune system. Multiple sclerosis is a progressive disorder that affects the central nervous system. The brain degenerates and this means that the control center for body functions becomes unreliable. Alzheimer s disease also affects the brain and the common sign is that the afflicted person suffers a progressive loss of memory.

A person may also acquire a disability if he had a spinal cord injury, often due to a fatal accident.

Developmental disabilities are also known as learning disabilities . Some examples are ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), dyslexia, mental retardation, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and speech impairment.

Of the three types of disabilities, the first two types (physical abilities and acquired disabilities) would require the assistance of instruments and equipment to help the affected person overcome barriers to his mobility. The disabled persons must understand that their problems can be alleviated and addressed by choosing the right mobility device. They must also realize that such physical condition is a hindrance that can be overcome so that they can still function normally. For example, the game basketball can be played by people in wheelchairs. This is why they are referred to as differently-abled .

People who have no disabilities should also understand that such are conditions and not communicable diseases, nor a topic for amusement.

About the Author:

The author is a certified physiotherapist and wrote informative websites about all kinds of treppenlifter and matresses.

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