ABSTRACT
Some pupils begin their lives or early school careers with physical disabilities or a serious medical condition, while other pupils develop disabilities or conditions later in their school lives. Sometimes they are short-term, sometimes they are longer-term or permanent, and sometimes they may not be considered by some as a disability – for example, asthma, epilepsy, attention defecit hyperactivity disorder ADHD, disfigurement, mental illness or as having any impact on a pupil’s capabilities and opportunities.
Such difficulties may, without action by the school or LEA [local education authority], limit the child’s access to the full curriculum. Some children with physical disabilities may also have sensory impairments, neurological problems and learning difficulties.
(Code of Practice, 3:71, p. 6, original italics)