Physical and Mental Challenges Disability any physical or

Physical and Mental Challenges

Disability- any physical or mental impairment that limits normal activities, including seeing, hearing, walking, or speaking 20% of adult population have some type of disability Have difficulty doing things that others take for granted

Physical Challenges Sight Impairment Leading cause of blindness is the result of diabetes Macular degeneration- leading cause for those over 55 - retina (back of eye) degenerates Glaucoma- a condition in which there is high pressure in the fluids in the eye, damages optic nerve

Regular eye exams are very important Early diagnoses of these conditions help prevent blindness or slow its progress

Hearing Impairment Profound deafness- hearing loss so severe that a person affected cannot from mechanical amplification such as a hearing aid Causes Heredity Injury Disease Obstructions- build up of wax, bone blockage or foreign object Exposure to loud noises

Motor Impairment Result when the body’s range of motion and coordination are affected by an injury to the brain or disorder of the nervous system Physical therapy used to keep joint flexible and muscles stretch

Mental Challenges Mental retardation- the below-average intellectual ability present from birth Affects 3% of population Many are only mildly affected Causes Injury Disease Brain abnormality

Some factors are related to genetic disorders Down syndrome there is an extra copy of chromosome 21 includes physical and mental challenges Phenylketonuria (PKU) born without the ability to properly break down an amino acid called phenylalanine harmful to the central nervous system and cause brain damage.

Tay-Sachs deadly disease of the nervous system passed down through families defective gene on chromosome 15 Fragile X syndrome involving changes in part of the X chromosome includes physical and mental challenges

Behaviors during pregnancy a factor Use of alcohol and drugs increase risk of a child born with mental challenges Fetal alcohol syndrome- causes growth, mental, and physical problems with child resulting from the mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy

Other causes Restricted supply of oxygen during birth Head injury Stroke Certain infections such as meningitis

Accommodating Differences People with physical and mental challenges and their supporters have worked to establish Society should make changes to allow people with disabilities to take part in business and social activities People should not be stereotype and label because of their disability People with disabilities should have the same opportunities as other

Americans with Disabilities Act- a law prohibiting discrimination against people with physical or mental disabilities in the work place, transportation, public accommodations, and telecommunications Examples Wheelchair ramps Telephone companies offer communication relay services