There are lots of ways you can try and support a child or young person with a physical disability.

Strategies

Some of these strategies include:

Assessment

• Check that the child or young person has an up to date assessment.
• Refer to relevant professionals if needed for further assessment and advice.
  
  

Adaptations

• Consider the adaptations needed to ensure that the child or young person can access learning with their peers as much as possible.
• Ensure that transition arrangements have been put in place prior to the child’s entry to class. This includes ensuring that the necessary adaptations are in place, such as:
  • Undertaking appropriate moving and manual handling training.
  • Use of support equipment such as work chairs, walkers, standing frames, hoists.
  • Ensuring that appropriate accessibility plans are in place, for example, a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan.
  • Undertaking appropriate care training and use of school’s hygiene suites.
  • Procuring and knowing how to use/maintain (where necessary) operated life-skills/curriculum equipment.
• Use adapted equipment to facilitate access to activities throughout the school day such as cutlery, crockery, scissors.
  
  

Development

• Maintain progress by having a handover with the child’s previous teacher so you have a clear understanding of their strengths, coping strategies and any particular areas of need.
• Consider those that also relate more broadly to their development or emotional well-being such as opportunities to develop confidence or developing and maintaining friendships.
• Keep a focus on promoting independence and resilience within planning and differentiation.
• Provide accessible ‘stretch’ opportunities.

Further Support

pdnet – a network for those supporting learners with physical disability