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Dinesh Kumar, Lovely Professional University Unit 5: Identification, Causes, Problems of Physically Challenged

Unit 5: Identification, Causes, Problems of Physically Notes

Challenged

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction
5.1 Visual Impairment
5.2 Hearing Impairment
5.3 Speech Impairment
5.4 Physically Disability (Orthopedic)
5.5 Summary
5.6 Keywords
5.7 Review Questions
5.8 Further Readings

Objectives

The objectives of this unit can be summarized as below:
• to explain visual impairment.
• to discuss hearing impairment.
• to describe speech impairment.
• to explain orthopedic disability.

Introduction
A significant portion of our population (over thirty million in the U.S.) has impairments which reduce
their ability to effectively or safely use standard consumer products. These impairments may be
acquired at birth or through accident or disease. Although there is a tremendous variety of specific
causes, as well as combinations and severity of disabilities, we can most easily relate their basic
impact to the use of consumer products by looking at major categories of impairment.
• Following categories of impairment
• Visual Impairments
• Hearing Impairments
• Cognitive/Language Impairments
• Physical Impairments

5.1 Visual Impairment
5.1.1 Identification
Identification of Visually Impaired Children: They have difficulty in comprehending space. Not
able to see distance, blind individuals are at a distinct disadvantage in appreciating spatial concepts.
Blind people apparently learn spatial concepts by the use of other senses than vision. The blind
sometimes develops an appreciation of space by nothing the time it takes to walk various distances
and through touch and kinesthesis. Audition provides clues to the direction dsitance of objects which
make sound, but it gives no idea of the objects as such. Tactual and kinesthetic experiences require
direct contact with or movement around objects. Thus, distant objects such as the heavenly bodies,

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