Children may be born with physical impairment or acquire a physical impairment in the future. The physical impairment may be temporary, progressive, non-progressive or permanent. Physical conditions may include but not limited to: cerebral palsy; juvenile arthritis; spina bifida; muscular dystrophy and limb difference.
A person with physical impairment may have difficulties moving and coordinating parts of their body for everyday life. The difficulties and barriers a person may face will depend on the type of physical impairment, environmental and a range of other factors.
Physical impairment may impact a person's movement, mobility, speech, language and communication skills, their social development, their ability to perform functional daily tasks and affect their access to learning.
Sometimes a child with physical impairment may also experience other conditions or disabilities. Schools consider the supports required for all of the child's needs. You can find out more about supports for
other disabilities.