Special educational needs of the physically disabled child and adolescent

Needs of the physically disabled student are reviewed in regard to the components of handicap and the importance of orienting teachers to diminish negative attitudes. The need for modifications of the classroom environment and conventional educational practices and equipment is described. Strategies which allow the student to bypass the disability, often by allowing technological advances to substitute for the consequences of anatomic or physiologic impairment, and the importance of ongoing dialogue between student, parents, and both rehabilitation and educational professionals are stressed.