[The motor development of physically handicapped children as a central task of special education (author's transl)]

A physical disability is always the starting point of a life-long process the dynamics of which are determined by the autonomy of the biological and psychological maturation, as well as by social influences. The motor development of the physically handicapped child is related to its personality formation. Motor and behavioural deficiencies can worsen and produce long-term effects. Therefore, starting as soon as possible, at best on a daily basis, physical education and kinesiotherapy must be used to compensate for these deficiencies and activate the forces of psychological and physical self-regulation. Physicians and kinesiotherapists must pay more attention to the normal need of movement of physically handicapped children. The motor development of the physically handicapped must become an integral part of the paedagogical responsibilities of physical education. For this reason, it is necessary that physical instructors with special qualifications are systematically employed in special schools and rehabilitation facilities.