📘 Physical Disabilities, Mobility & Mental Health

 

Understanding Different Needs and Abilities

People with physical disabilities are not all the same.

👉 Some people can:

• Walk independently
• Stand for short periods
• Use walking aids

👉 Others may:

• Need support to stand
• Use a wheelchair full-time
• Have limited or no control of movement

✔️ Many conditions are spectrums
✔️ Ability depends on severity, location, and individual differences

---

🧠 Key Message

👉 Never assume ability based on diagnosis

Two people with the same condition may have completely different mobility levels

---

🦴 Spina Bifida (Mobility Differences)

Spina Bifida is a condition where the spine does not form properly.

📍 Mobility depends on where the spine is affected

---

Lower Spine (Sacral / Low Lumbar)

• Leg muscles are often stronger
• Many people can:
  • Stand
  • Walk independently
  • Use small supports (e.g., braces, crutches)

👉 Some may only need support for long distances

---

Higher Spine (Thoracic / Mid Lumbar)

• Greater impact on movement
• Often results in:
  • Partial or full paralysis of the legs
• People may:
  • Not be able to stand independently
  • Use a wheelchair for mobility

---

✔️ Some people use both walking aids and wheelchairs depending on the situation

---

🧠 Cerebral Palsy (Movement Spectrum)

Cerebral Palsy affects movement, muscle tone, and coordination.

Mobility is measured using:

👉 Gross Motor Function Classification System

---

🟢 Levels I–II (Mild to Moderate)

• Can:
  • Walk independently
  • Stand without support
• May struggle with:
  • Stairs
  • Uneven ground
  • Long distances

---

🟡 Level III (Moderate)

• Can:
  • Stand with support
  • Walk using aids (walker, crutches)
• Often:
  • Use a wheelchair for longer distances

---

🔴 Levels IV–V (Severe)

• Usually:
  • Cannot stand or walk independently
• Mobility:
  • Wheelchair or powered chair

---

✔️ Strength, balance, and coordination vary widely

---

🦽 Other Physical Conditions (Mobility Spectrum)

🧬 Muscular Dystrophy

• Muscles weaken over time
• May:
  • Walk in early life
  • Later require wheelchair use

---

🧠 Multiple Sclerosis

• Symptoms vary (relapsing/remitting)
• May include:
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Balance problems
• Mobility:
  • Can change day to day

---

🦴 Spinal Cord Injury

• Depends on injury location

Higher injury:

• Limited movement in arms and legs

Lower injury:

• Arm function preserved
• Limited or no leg movement

---

🦴 Arthritis

• Causes:
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Reduced mobility
• People may:
  • Walk slowly
  • Need rest breaks
  • Use walking aids

---

🧍 Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

• Joint instability
• Chronic pain
• Fatigue
• Mobility may vary:
  • Some walk normally
  • Others need braces or mobility aids

---

⚠️ Hidden & Fluctuating Disabilities

Not all physical disabilities are visible.

👉 Some people may:

• Walk one day and use a wheelchair the next
• Stand briefly but not for long
• Look “fine” but be in pain

✔️ This includes:

• Chronic fatigue
• Pain conditions
• Neurological disorders

---

🧠 Link to Mental Health

Physical disabilities are closely linked to mental health.

People may experience:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Isolation
• Frustration

This is often due to:

• Barriers in society
• Lack of understanding
• Accessibility issues

---

🚧 Barriers People Face

• Buildings without ramps or lifts
• Lack of accessible transport
• Limited healthcare access
• Social stigma and assumptions

👉 These barriers often impact mental health more than the condition itself

---

🤝 Inclusive Practice (For Your Training/Book)

✔️ What helps:

• Ask, don’t assume
• Offer support respectfully
• Provide accessible environments
• Use inclusive language

---

💡 Simple Takeaway (Great for Easy Read)

👉 People move in different ways
👉 Some people walk, some use wheelchairs
👉 Some people can stand, some cannot
👉 Some people can do both

👉 Every person is different
👉 Every body is different

---

✏️ If you want next:

I can now turn this into:

📄 Easy Read Version

• Simple sentences
• Symbol layout (Widgit-style guidance)
• Child & adult friendly

📊 PowerPoint Slides

• Training-ready
• Clear visuals
• Speaker notes included

📝 Printable Resources

• Posters
• Handouts
• Activity sheets

🧠 Quiz / Assessment

• Multiple choice
• Scenario-based questions
• Answer sheet

Just tell me: