Unit -4

Physical education and sports for CWSN

Concept of Disability and Disorder

Disability is a functional limitation or an impairment in an individual's body or mind that restricts

their ability to perform activities considered "normal" for human beings. It can be a long-term
physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment that, in interaction with various barriers,
may hinder full and effective participation in society on an equal basis. It's an umbrella term,
covering impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions.

Disorder is a disruption to the regular or normal functioning of an individual’s body or mind. It

often refers to a physical or mental illness, ailment, or condition that causes an abnormal
functioning of the body or mind. A disorder can lead to a disability, but not all disorders result in
a disability. For example, a person may have a temporary stomach disorder, but it doesn't cause
a disability. However, a persistent neurological disorder could lead to a physical disability.
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Types of Disabilities, their Causes and Nature

Disabilities are generally categorized into three main types.

Intellectual Disability: Characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and

adaptive behavior.

Causes:

Genetic Factors: Conditions like Down syndrome (an extra chromosome 21) or Fragile X
syndrome.

Perinatal Factors: Problems during birth, such as lack of oxygen (birth asphyxia) or premature
birth.

Postnatal Factors: Severe head injuries, infections (like meningitis), or exposure to toxins like
lead during early childhood.
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Physical Disability: A physical limitation on a person's physical functioning, mobility, or

stamina.

Causes:

Congenital Defects: Conditions present at birth, such as spina bifida or absence of a limb.
Musculoskeletal Conditions: Injuries to the bones, joints, and muscles, such as amputation or
muscular dystrophy.

Neurological Conditions: Damage to the nervous system, such as cerebral palsy or spinal cord
injury.
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Sensory Disability: Impairment of one of the senses, specifically vision or hearing.

Visual Impairment: Partial or complete inability to see.

Hearing Impairment: Partial or total inability to hear. This can range from mild to profound
deafness.

Causes: Genetic factors, infections, or trauma.

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Disability Etiquette

Disability etiquette is about respecting and including people with disabilities. It promotes positive
interactions and avoids stereotypes.

Use Person-First Language: Always refer to the person first, not their disability. For example,
say "a person with a disability" instead of "a disabled person."

Offer Help, Don't Assume: Ask if someone needs help before assisting them. Respect their
answer, whether it's "yes" or "no." Never just grab a person's wheelchair or arm.

Communicate Respectfully: Speak directly to the person with the disability, not to their
companion or interpreter. Use normal conversational language.

Be Patient and Attentive: Allow time for a person who stutters or uses a communication device
to speak. Listen attentively and don't interrupt or finish their sentences.
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Aims and Objectives of Adaptive Physical Education

Adaptive Physical Education is a modified and individualized program of physical and

recreational activities designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. Its core
principle is to make physical activity accessible and beneficial for everyone.

Aims
To promote holistic development: Adaptive PE aims to develop physical, social, emotional, and
cognitive skills.
To ensure equal opportunity: It strives to provide the same physical education opportunities to
CWSN as their peers without disabilities.

To foster inclusion: A key aim is to integrate students with disabilities into regular physical
education classes and sports, wherever possible.

Objectives
Physical Fitness and Motor Skills: To improve physical fitness components like strength,
endurance, and flexibility. To enhance motor skills such as running, jumping, throwing, and
catching.

Social and Emotional Development: To help students develop positive self-esteem, confidence,
and social skills through teamwork and cooperative games.

Leisure and Recreation Skills: To teach skills that can be used for leisure and recreation
throughout life, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

Cognitive Development: To improve problem-solving and decision-making skills through

modified game strategies.

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Role of Various Professionals for CWSN

A multidisciplinary team approach is essential for the comprehensive support and development
of CWSN. Each professional plays a vital, specialized role.

Counselor

Role: Provides emotional and psychological support to CWSN and their families. They help
individuals cope with the challenges of their disability and develop coping mechanisms.

Counselors are trained in various therapeutic approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy

(CBT) and family counseling. They can identify co-occurring mental health issues (like anxiety or
depression) often associated with disabilities and help the individual and family navigate these
challenges. They also assist in career counseling and future planning.

Occupational Therapist (OT):

Role: Helps individuals with daily life activities (ADLs - Activities of Daily Living). Their focus is
on the "occupation" of the person—what they do in their life, such as going to school, playing, or
working. They work to improve fine and gross motor skills.
OTs are experts in adapting environments and tasks to fit the person. They can recommend and
train individuals on the use of assistive technology like specialized eating utensils,
communication devices, or modified keyboards. They assess a person's home or school
environment and suggest modifications to enhance independence and safety.

Physiotherapist (PT):

Role: Focuses on restoring and improving physical function, mobility, and strength. They use a
range of physical techniques and exercises to manage pain and improve movement.

PTs have a deep understanding of human anatomy, biomechanics, and kinesiology. They
design specific exercise programs to improve muscle strength, range of motion, balance, and
coordination. For a child with cerebral palsy, for instance, a PT might work on stretching to
reduce muscle spasticity and on exercises to improve gait and balance.

Physical Education Teacher:

Role: Adapts physical activities to include all students, regardless of their ability. They are
responsible for implementing the physical education component of a student's Individualized
Education Program (IEP).

A skilled PE teacher for CWSN understands principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL),
which means designing activities that are accessible to everyone from the start. They know how
to modify rules, equipment (e.g., using a larger, lighter ball), and playing areas. They also act as
a crucial link between the student, parents, and other specialists, ensuring the physical
education program aligns with the student’s overall goals.

Speech Therapist (Speech-Language Pathologist):

Role: Assesses and treats speech and language disorders. This includes articulation, voice,
fluency (stuttering), and receptive/expressive language issues.

Speech therapists understand the complex process of communication. They can develop
communication systems for non-verbal individuals, such as using picture boards or assistive
technology. For a child with autism, they may focus on social communication skills, helping them
understand social cues and engage in conversations.

Special Educator:

Role: Provides specialized instruction and support to students with disabilities. They are
responsible for developing and implementing the Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Special educators are experts in different learning disabilities and teaching methodologies. They
know how to break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps. They collaborate with
general education teachers to modify curriculum and create an inclusive learning environment.
The IEP is their primary tool—a legally binding document that outlines a student's current
performance, goals, and the specific services they will receive to achieve those goals.