How to Help Physically Handicapped Children

Physical disabilities create both physical and emotional challenges for children.

Physically handicapped children face many challenges on a daily basis. Playing sports, participating in school, riding the bus and playing children's games are just a few of the activities that present challenges for disabled children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 5 million children living in the United States have physical limitations that affect their daily lives. Fortunately, it is becoming easier for physically challenged kids to engage in normal activities thanks to innovative designs, new technology and organizations that help disabled kids succeed. Consider the important ways to help physically disabled children.

Instructions

1. Educate yourself on the challenges facing physically handicapped children today. The CDC offers an online program, Kids' Quest, to help educate adults and children on how physical disabilities affect everyday life at home and in the classroom. Visit government-supported websites that provide reliable information on helping kids with disabilities.

2. Provide emotional support for the physically disabled child without displaying pity. According to the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities, showing pity toward a disabled child is actually disabling for him and can damage a child's self esteem. Keep a positive attitude and focus on the tasks the child is able to do.

3. Offer support to families that have physically challenged children. Work schedules, frequent doctor's appointments and around-the-clock care can cause burnout for parents, resulting in irritability, exhaustion and depression. Spending time with a physically challenged child provides new stimulation for the child and offers the parents a chance to run errands or simply take a break.

4. Plan a special day centered around activities the child can participate in to improve motor skills and increase involvement in physical activities. Most children enjoy playing with toys, blowing bubbles, splashing in water or painting funny pictures. Choose sensory toys with bright colors, funny noises and different textures to stimulate senses such as sight, sound and touch.

5. Encourage independence for everyday jobs that disabled children can perform on their own. Kids Health reports that kids with special needs often need extra help with physical tasks, but physically disabled children also need achievable goals to help them feel more independent. Offer rewards for goals reached to celebrate his achievements and accomplishments.

6. Modify sports games to include physically challenged children. Children in wheelchairs need not be excluded from sports when they can bounce a basketball or pass a football back and forth. Choose hand balls that have bells inside for children with visual impairments, so they can be included in sports activities as well.

7. Volunteer for local programs that cater to physically handicapped children. Most state health departments and YMCA facilities offer programs for children with disabilities and are often in need of volunteers. Many communities also have local programs that need volunteers to work with physically challenged children.

Tips & Warnings

• State parks are a great place to take physically challenged kids because they provide ramps and modified entrances to many areas in the park.

• Because physically handicapped kids are often mistreated, watch for signs of bullying such as torn clothing, bruises and withdrawal from activities.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Meeting the Challenge
• National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities: Parenting a Child with Special Needs
• Kids Health: Kids Who Might Need Extra Help
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Kids' Quest on Disability and Health

Resources

• YMCA: Our Focus