What are sensory impairments and physical disabilities?

This chapter sets the book in the context of the ‘New Directions in Special Educational Needs’ series of which it forms a part. It outlines the contents of the book and describes the proposed readers. I then explain the nature of sensory impairments and of physical disabilities and describe pupils considered to have these impairments or disabilities. This is done with reference to the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice (DfES, 2001a); the guidance, Data Collection by Type of Special Educational Needs (DfES, 2003); and the legal definition of special educational needs (SEN). An outline of the information received through the senses is provided. The sort of provision from which pupils with sensory impairments and physical disabilities appear to benefit is touched on.