Physical difficulties (you may also hear these referred to as physical disabilities or physical impairments) impact ow children and young people can move their bodies.
There are many causes and levels of severity of physical difficulties, and can include conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy or spina bifida.
A range of support for children and young people with physical difficulties is available in Devon. Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD) have lots of resources on their website. Children and young people may also be eligible for equipment, aids or home adaptations to help them live as independently as possible.
Support is also available to schools, to help pupils achieve their full potential and overcome barriers to learning
Equipment, mobility aids and home adaptations
Devon Independent Living Integrated Service
Devon Independent Living Integrated Service (DILIS) includes delivery and installation, servicing and maintenance, and collection of equipment that has been ordered by a prescriber, GP, nurse, therapist or social services provider. DILIS also make adaptations to people’s homes.
Orthotics, prosthetics, wheelchairs and special seating
Exeter Mobility Centre has the contract for orthotics, prosthetics, and wheelchair services in Devon.
The wheelchair service assesses you for the provision of:
- wheelchairs and children’s buggies if you have long-term mobility problems
- pressure care cushions for wheelchairs
- equipment to provide postural support in wheelchairs or buggies
The Plymouth, South Hams and West Devon wheelchair service provide assessments for people with mobility and other postural problems, supplying wheelchairs, pressure care cushions and accessories for wheelchairs in Plymouth, the South Hams and West Devon.
Vranch House provides the specialist wheelchair service for children who have been assessed by a community therapist as requiring specialist provision that cannot be provided by mainstream service.
Alternative and augmented communication (AAC)
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a range of strategies and tools to help people who struggle with speech. These may be simple letter or picture boards or sophisticated computer-based systems. The Communication Matters website has more information on AAC.
Vranch House provides an AAC intervention service in Devon. This service provides specialist speech and language therapist input to help people use high-tech AAC systems.
Equipment provision is subject to the eligibility criteria agreed with the NHS Devon Integrated Care Board. To access these services, your child will need to be assessed and referred by a therapist.
Support in schools
Children and young people with physical needs are supported in schools by their teachers and special educational needs coordinator (SENCO).
Physical Difficulties Team
Support may also be available, either in education settings or in the homes from the Physical Difficulties Team. Help on offer ranges from advice on how pupils can safely take part in PE, or how to support them to access exams.
ICT/SEN Team
The ICT/SEN Team supports access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and provides advice on using ICT to enhance learning for children and young people with sensory, physical, significant learning or communication and interaction difficulties.