A physical disability is a ‘limitation on a person’s physical functioning, mobility, dexterity, or stamina.’ It has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on a person’s ability to do daily activities.
Equality Act, 2010
Physical disabilities or difficulties can:
- be mild or severe
- affect a child or young person’s development
- be hidden.
Support for children with physical difficulties or disabilities
Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD)
The CFHD website provides information and advice on physical disabilities that families may find useful.
CFHD Occupational Therapy telephone advice line
CFHD have launched an Occupational Therapy telephone advice line, where you can speak directly to a Children’s Occupational Therapist. The advice line is available Tuesdays 1.30 – 4.00 pm and Fridays 9.30 am – 12.00 pm on 03332 341123.
The advice line can be called by young people themselves, family members or carers, education staff, social care staff, voluntary organisations or other health professionals. No referrals are required and personal information will not be taken or recorded.
The phone line provides access to advice and support to develop everyday skills and gain independence in daily activities, such as dressing, toileting skills, using cutlery and more.
Occupational therapy – South Devon and Torbay
Children and Family Health Devon’s (CFHD) Occupational Therapy (OT) Team provides advice, assessment, intervention and support for children who have a range of disabilities, disorders and additional needs that prevent them from carrying out the activities of everyday life.
Please note: Children’s Physiotherapy covers South Devon and Torbay only, and all physio referrals will need to be completed and sent to CFHD by a healthcare professional.
Equipment and adaptations
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
Exeter Mobility Centre provide wheelchair, orthotic and prosthetic services for both adults and children. Services include the assessment of patients with a variety of mobility needs, as well as the prescription of equipment such as wheelchairs, artificial limbs, insoles, specialist footwear, braces and splints to help maximise our service users’ mobility and independence.
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
AJM Healthcare
AJM Healthcare provides 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 specialist wheelchair service
Vranch House provides the specialist wheelchair service for children assessed by a community therapist as requiring specialist provision that cannot be provided by mainstream service.
Alternative and augmented communication (AAC)
Vranch House provides an AAC intervention service. This service provides specialist speech and language therapist input to help people use high-tech AAC systems.
The service sees children aged 0-18 from Exeter, East, Mid, North and South Devon. Appointments may be virtual, in the child’s school or in one of their clinic spaces.
To access this service you need to submit a request for help from Children and Family Health Devon, using their referral forms. Requests can be made by parents and carers, or young people themselves if they are 16+, as well as by some practitioners.
Depending on the equipment or mobility aid needed children and young people may need a referral from a health care professional, for example a GP or physiotherapist.
Disabled Facilities Grants
You could get a grant from your council if you’re disabled and need to make changes to your home. In Devon these grants are provided by your local District, Borough or City Council. Find out more about Disabled Facilities Grants.
Support in school
Children and young people with physical needs are supported in schools by their teachers and special educational needs coordinators.
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.
SEN/ICT
SEN/ICT support is available to help pupils access and use Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to enhance learning for children and young people with sensory, physical, significant learning or communication and interaction difficulties.
Social care support
Children’s Social Care provides a range of services and support which are accessible to children and their families.
Find out more about the types of support available, how to request an assessment, short breaks, and Parent Carer Needs Assessments in our social care support section.
Financial help
Financial help may be available for children and young people with physical disabilities, and their families. Our financial support section has lots of information you may find useful, including: