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Since this term covers so many different categories, below is a list of various disabilities (certainly not all) and a very brief description of how it affects the child. Generally though, for the purposes of this website it is appropriate to describe children with a physical handicap as having limbs or other parts of their body affected. Problems may arise from paralysis or poor muscle control.
Children with cerebal palsie have had damage to the motor area of the brain. There are three basic kinds, which means children will have different impairments. Children may experience uncoordinated muscle movement, involutary movement of paralyzed limbs and poor muscle control of the arms and legs.
Spina bifida is a birth defect, in which the bones do not close in the spinal area. In one form paralysis of the legs is present along with incontinence. Incontinence can be a problem if the child is integrated into regular classes.
Muscular Dystrophy is a hereditary disease (six times more common in males than females) that is dicovered when the child is about three years old. It results in gradual internal weakening of the muscles, usually in the arms and legs. These children rarely live to adulthood.
Other physical disabilities include, heart defects, asthma, cystic fibrosis and diabetes. These disabilities do not usually require the child to be placed in a special education classroom. (Anderson 1978, pp.15-17)
How these disabilities affect the child
Generally, these children may be more shy and self-conscious than other children. Often families are overprotective of the child, causing them to live in a fairly restricted environment.
Children may also have experienced a lot of rejection due to the impairment, so will need experiences that help build a positive self-image and body-image. They will also need experiences that enable them to work on their own without a lot of help from others, creating a feeling of independence. (Anderson 1978, pp.17-18)
These children may be educationally behind children of a similar age, simply because they have not had a chance to experience much of the world. Art can be really helpful, as it can encourage independence, with a really positve outcome overall.
Of course, it would be very important to create an atmosphere of acceptance and willingness to explore new ideas. It is a good idea to carry out art activities that do not require fine, detailed work, unless the child has proper use of their hands.
Some useful tips for successfully doing art with these students include:
- Thickening and shortening handles of drawing and painting tools, so they can be easily grasped. (Foam rubber is useful for this)
- Tape paper down, so it doesn't get away from the child
- Weigh water and paint containers down to avoid spilling and frustration
- Use large working areas if appropriate
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