What is Physical Impairment (PI)?
The Department of Education and Training (DET) defines physical impairment as a dysfunction of the musculoskeletal and/or neurological body systems, which affects the functional ability of a student to move or coordinate movement. Physical impairment is recognised as: • musculoskeletal conditions – involving the joints, limbs and associated muscles and/or • neurological conditions – involving the central nervous system i.e. brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerves which affect the ability to move or to coordinate the control movement. There is a wide range of conditions that may result in physical impairment including: • cerebral palsy • spina bifida • muscular dystrophy • arthritis • osteogenesis imperfecta • congenital malformation of the limbs • some acquired brain injuries • some orthopaedic conditions. A physical impairment may be present from birth (congenital) or acquired later (e.g. through an accident or illness). It can be progressive or non-progressive (this refers to whether
