Children may be born with physical disability or experience physical disability when they are older. The physical disability may be temporary, progressive or permanent. Physical conditions may include: cerebral palsy; juvenile arthritis; spina bifida; muscular dystrophy and loss of limbs.
A person with physical disability 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 disability and other environmental factors.
Physical disability may impact a person's speech, language and communication skills, their social development, their ability to perform functional daily tasks, movement, mobility and their access to learning.
Sometimes a child with physical disability 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.