Physical Disabilities

What is a physical disability?

A physical disability is a substantial and long-term condition affecting a part of a person’s body that impairs and limits their physical functioning, mobility, stamina or dexterity.

The loss of physical capacity results in the person having a reduced ability, or inability, to perform body movements such as walking, moving their hands and arms, sitting and standing as well as controlling their muscles.

A physical disability does not necessarily stop you from performing specific tasks but makes them more challenging. This includes daily tasks taking longer to complete, such as getting dressed or difficulty gripping and carrying things.

It is important to note that defining physical disability is not about the physical condition itself but how it impacts daily life, such as the ability to carry out work activities.

A person may be born with a physical disability or acquire it in life due to an accident, injury, illness or as a side effect of a medical condition.

Examples of physical disability include cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Carpal tunnel syndrome, amputations and spinal cord injuries.


Extract from carehome.co.uk

"

You're not disabled by the disabilities you have, you are able by the abilities you have.

Oscar Pistorious

"

Programme ideas

Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs & Scouts

Singlehandedly

Have a go at everyday tasks but only use one hand. Here are a few ideas:

  • tying your shoes

  • eating lunch

  • opening a jar with a screw-on lid

  • playing catch

  • tying a knot

  • doing up buttons on your shirt

  • Peeling an orange

Lefty-righty

In pairs, carry out everyday activities where one person only uses their left hand, and the other only uses their right. Work together to do things like:

  • Opening a jar

  • tying shoelaces

  • typing knots

  • building a tripod

  • building a lego model

  • catching a ball

Scouts & Explorers

Wheelchair Challenge

If you have access to a wheelchair, have a go at different activities such as:

  • pushing the wheelchair with your hands

  • playing a game (soccer, basketball, chase, etc.)

  • go through a slalom of cones

  • Going to the bathroom

  • Have a discussion where everyone else is standing up

Discuss how being in the wheelchair felt. What would have made things better?

What's on your TV?

How is disability presented on screen? Dive into some research, then add a new disabled character to your favourite TV show.

https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/what-s-on-your-tv/

Badge links

Disability Awareness Badge

(Beavers, Cubs)

World Challenge Award

(Scouts)

Teamwork Challenge

(Beavers, Cubs, Scouts)

kids.org.uk

Giving disabled children a brighter future

Fun & Games

Squirrels, Beavers & Cubs

Classic School Sports

Have a go at some of the classic school sports to give our young people a better understanding of how things become more challenging when you can't move as well as you are used to. Have a go at:

  • Three-legged race

  • Egg and spoon race

  • Sack race

Scouts & Explorers

Boccia games

The aim of the game is to get your ball as close to a white target ball as possible. Each individual, pair or team (of three) has 6 coloured balls (one colour for each individual, pair or team). All players must remain seated throughout the game. A player throws the white target ball into the court. The same player then throws their first coloured ball to try and get as close to the white target ball as possible. The opposing player throws their first coloured ball towards the white target ball. The side that is not closest to the white target ball will then play next, and throw their next coloured ball. This pattern is continued until all the balls have been played. Players get a point for every ball they have closer to the white target ball than the opposition. The primary rule you need to stick to is that boccia is a seated sport. The risk assessment for this game should be fairly straightforward.

More info (and other Boccia challenges) at Your School Games - https://www.yourschoolgames.com/taking-part/our-sports/boccia/

Chair football

Play this classic sport while seated in chairs. Talk tactics and positions before you start and see which team wins!

https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/chair-football/

Scout Paralympics

Create your own Scout Paralympic event. Pick and have a go at some of the sports included in the Paralympics. Don't forget to do a risk assessment for this activity. See the list at the official UK website - https://paralympics.org.uk/sports