Characteristics of Physical and Health Disabilities

This course provides an overview of the unique characteristics, learning styles, and challenges faced by children with physical handicaps and other health disabilities. Attention is given to federal and state regulations as they pertain to qualifying these individuals for special services within the schools. Various program models available through public, private, and hospital settings will be reviewed. The impact of inclusive education and self-contained placements on this population will be analyzed.

Topics and Objectives

Philosophical, Historical, and Legal Foundations of Special Education for Children with Physical Disabilities, Other Health Impairments, and Severe Sensory Disorders

• Define terminology related to children with physical disabilities, other health impairments, and severe sensory disorders
• Outline philosophical and historical perspectives regarding children with physical disabilities, other health impairments, and severe sensory disorders
• Analyze laws, regulations, and policies that affect children with physical disabilities, other health impairments, and severe sensory disorders
• Define criteria for identifying and labeling children with physical disabilities, other health impairments, and severe sensory disorders

Characteristics of Learners

• Describe possible etiologies of physical disabilities, other health impairments, and severe sensory disorders
• Describe medical conditions and their effects
• Describe educational, cognitive, communication, behavioral, psychosocial, vocational, recreation/leisure, and family/community effects of physical disabilities, other health impairments, and severe sensory disorders
• Present examples of secondary health care issues that accompany children with physical disabilities, other health impairments, and severe sensory disorders

Assessment, Evaluation, and Eligibility Determination

• Identify roles and responsibilities of individuals who participate in assessment, evaluation, and eligibility determination
• Discuss procedures and appropriate practices for evaluating student eligibility for special education and related services.
• List specific considerations regarding educational planning and placement of children with physical disabilities, other health impairments, and severe sensory disorders

Instructional Content and Practice

• Describe curriculum and content options for students with physical disabilities, other health impairments, and severe sensory disorders
• Discuss instructional practice for students with physical disabilities, other health impairments, and severe sensory disorders

Planning and Managing the Teaching and Learning Environment

• Examine the use of assistive technologies that promote positioning, seating, and mobility
• Recommend environmental modifications that promote student independence
• Discuss prevention of disease transmission

Managing Student Behavior, Self-Concept, and Social Interaction Skills

• Describe issues of self-concept and self-image for students with physical disabilities, other health impairments, and severe sensory disorders
• Describe behavioral characteristics associated with students with physical disabilities, other health impairments, and severe sensory disorders
• Describe socialization issues for students with physical disabilities, other health impairments, and severe sensory disorders.
• Describe ways to manage behavior and build self-concept

Communication and Collaborative Practice

• Demonstrate the elements necessary for collaborative partnerships in serving children with physical disabilities, other health impairments, and severe sensory disorders
• Discuss the role of family and community in supporting a student with physical disabilities, other health impairments, and severe sensory disorders

Professionalism and Ethical Practices

• Discuss issues of professionalism and ethical practice when working with students with physical disabilities, other health impairments, and severe sensory disorders