1. Meeting the Needs of Children
and Families
A Physical Disability
Samantha Clark
Inclusion of Children with Special Needs
Chris Cadieux
March 10, 2014

2. Faheen and her Family
Faheen:
 5 years old
 Physical Disability: Congenitally Deformed right leg;
 Undergone many surgeries; wears a prosthesis.
Faheen’s Father:
 Transferred to Toronto from Thunder Bay
 Seeking supportive agencies
 Concerned about Faheen’s social life in child care

3. Faheen and her Family’s Needs
 Financial Support
 Responsive Environment
 Mobility Aids
 Supportive Agencies
 Inclusive program/environment
 Knowledge about Physical Disabilities
 Sensitivity/Empathy: among everyone at the
Child Care Centre
 Positivity/Encouraging Positive Relationships

4. Definitions
 Physical Disability: any condition that permanently prevents
normal body movement and/or control
 Congenital:of or pertaining to a condition present at birth, whether
inherited or caused by the environment,
especially the uterine environment.
 Prosthesis: An artificial device that replaces a missing or injured part
of the body
 Congenital Limb Deformity: Birth defects in which a fetus' limbs
or extremities do not form properly while in utero

5. Potential Causes
 Mother being exposed to/taking drugs
(anti-depressants) or other chemicals and
viruses during pregnancy
 Oral contraceptives (The Pill)
 Smoking
 Genetics

6. Characteristics
Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (Club foot)
 foot twisted inward, toes pointing down
 most common in males
 due to abnormal tendons, ligaments, bones
(affect structure of shape, size, position)
Genu Varum (Bow legs)
 leg from the knee to ankle bend outward
 Blount's Disease- noticeable by the age of 2
 Rickets-Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus
deficiency (absorption)

7. Treatment
Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (Club foot):
The Ponseti Method
 1-2weeks of age: positioning of the foot and
casting
 Casted for 5-7 days over a 6-8 week period
 A tenotomy (cutting of a tendon) is needed
for correct heel placement
 A final cast is worn for 3 weeks
 A brace (a bar with easy strap-on shoes) is
then worn for 3 months

8. Treatment cont’d
Genu Varum (Bow legs)
 In most cases, no treatment is necessary. In
regards to Blount's Disease, a leg brace or
surgery is needed to strengthen the leg.
With Rickets, Vitamin D and calcium will be
prescribed.

9. The Child Care Setting
 Flexibility in programming:
additional/inclusive activities to support
Faheen, support during transitions (be
patient), experiences that include all of the
children (adapting to each of their needs
and NOT singling out anyone)
 Talk at the child's level (not above them).
Kneel or sit if needed

10. Cont’d
 Mobility Aids: Walker (with the possible
addition of front wheels) to support the
use of the leg muscles and Faheen's need to
practise walking with the prosthesis;
Horizontal railings to assist with walking,
balancing, and standing.
 Accessible washrooms: toilets and sinks
at child's level and a railing beside the toilet
to assist with getting on and off the toilet

11. Cont’d
 Rearrange the furniture to provide more open
space to move around
 Cubby: should be at the children's level.
 Toys and Materials: should be at children's
level (not too low or too high: unsupportive to
children's needs)
 Sensitivity/empathy: among staff, children,
and parents. Always use people first language
when speaking

12. Cont’d
 Include books, pictures, and toys about people
(various ages/ethnicities) with disabilities (Read the
books to the children and have small discussions
with the them)
 Teacher Knowledge: about physical
disabilities/people with mobility needs and provide
ongoing support
 Positivity: Encouraging Faheen to try new things,
help when she appears to need it and also provide
her the space to do things on her own. Encourage
positive relationships among all of the children

13. Cont’d
 Provide information on agencies regarding support
for children or people with disabilities and possible
financial/mobile assistance
 Build a positive relationship with Faheen and her
family (as with all of the families) and provide them
with help and support in coping with their stresses
and fears for Faheen (idea of her not being able to
make friends)
 Inclusion: Including Faheen's family in the
program and keeping them up to date (daily
conversations about Faheen, things they could help
her with at home, what she did that day, progress
report).

14. Agencies
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation
Hospital
 Children and youth under the age of 19, with
disabilities.
 Supportive programs for children and families
 Referral Process
 Cost (varies on program)
http://www.hollandbloorview.ca/index.php

15. Agency cont’d
Variety Village
 Support for everyone of all ages and
abilities
 Fitness focus, but other programs available
 Memberships & Referral
 Cost (depends on age and type of
membership)
http://www.varietyvillage.ca/index.php

16. Reflection

17. Bibliography