CLEVELAND ISD
SOUTHSIDE ELEMENTARY
Ms. Brown - 504/GT Campus Liaison
Physical and Mental Disabilities
A disability is a physical or mental problem that makes it difficult or impossible for a person to walk, see, hear, speak, learn, or do other important things. Some disabilities are permanent, or last forever. Others are temporary, or last for only a short time. A disability can be something a person was born with. Or it can be the result of an illness or an accident.
A mental disability is a problem with the brain, or mind. Mental disabilities include developmental disabilities, mental illness, and learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. A person with a mental disability may have trouble learning or getting along with other people.
A physical disability is a problem with the body. Physical disabilities may affect the eyes, the ears, the muscles, or the interior organs, such as the heart or lungs. Some people with a physical disability may use a wheelchair to move around.
With help, whether at school or medically, people with disabilities can do many, or all, of the things that nondisabled people can do. A person with a missing leg can learn to walk with an artificial leg. Many kinds of mental illness can be treated with medication or other therapies. Coping mechanisms can be taught to people in order for them to live with and overcome learning delays due to disabilities.
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Let’s join together to see the ABLE is disABLEd.
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There are MANY disabilities, only a few of the most common are discussed on the following slides. If you have questions on others, just send me a message and I will do my best to find out whatever you need to know.