Physical Disabilities
Physical disabilities can be sensory, where there are problems with sight, hearing or speech, or they may impair motor function, so that movement is restricted or imprecise. Injuries may cause a disability, and disease such as a heart condition may also make normal exertion impossible.
Some disabilities start at birth - congenital disabilities. Others are acquired during life. If you have a disability, it is almost certain that there are many others who do also. Most conditions have support groups or associations that have grown up relating to the problem. These groups may offer specialized help to minimize the effect of the condition.
Recently Answered
- Q What are some of the different types of prosthetic limbs?
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There are different types of prosthetic limbs that are designed with different goals in mind. These goals often depend on the needs of the patient and the site of the amputation. A cosmetic prosthetic limb, for example, is designed with appearance rather... Full Answer
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- Q What types of cosmesis prosthetics are available?
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Numerous choices are available today when deciding on a cosmesis prosthesis, so the pros and cons of each should be weighed. Standard cosmeses are made either from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or silicone. Those made of PVC are less expensive, costing in the... Full Answer
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- Q What are cosmesis prosthetics?
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A cosmesis prosthesis is a lifelike artificial apparatus designed to take the place of a missing or amputated limb. It allows the wearer to continue to function independently-eating, walking, dressing, and carrying out other basic activities. Due to... Full Answer
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- Q How do prosthetic devices vary?
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While prosthetic limbs generally have the same basic components, each device is defined for a specific level and type of amputation. There is a big difference in the type of device required, depending on whether an amputation is above or below major... Full Answer
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- Q What does a prosthetist do?
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A prosthetist is a specialist in artificial limbs and prosthetics. They match your body and your goals to a type of prosthesis. A prosthetist will create the socket that your stump will fit into and will make sure that the fit is just right. On... Full Answer
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- Q What is the leading cause of disability in people under 45?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyTo be human is to have a sore back. By the time we reach age 50, 9 out of 10 of us will have experienced back pain, the leading cause of disability in people under 45. Doctors prescribe everything from acupuncture to surgery to bring us relief, and as a... Full Answer
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- Q How can I make my entry system more accessible?
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Shelley Peterman Schwarz, NeurologyTo make your entry system more accessible, install a visual cue for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Wire your doorbell to a light on the inside that flashes when the doorbell rings. Any number of commercial beacons and light/vibration... Full Answer
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- Q How can I make my garage more accessible?
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Shelley Peterman Schwarz, NeurologyThere are a few things you should keep in mind when making your garage more accessible: To accommodate a wheelchair-accessible van in your garage you need a space 15 to 16 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet high. Install an automatic garage door opener.... Full Answer
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- Q What are some safety features I should include in accessibility projects?
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Shelley Peterman Schwarz, NeurologyInstall automated lighting all around your home to make sure that you can see where you are going. Motion sensor lights, readily available at hardware and home improvement stores, can be easily installed with a few simple tools. Place them at... Full Answer
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- Q What are some general home accessibility guidelines?
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Shelley Peterman Schwarz, NeurologyTo accommodate a wheelchair, scooter, or walker: Hallways should be 42 to 48 inches wide to keep from scraping knuckles or damaging walls. A 5-foot circle is required to turn a wheelchair or walker around. A space that is longer than wider (63... Full Answer
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