Practical Activities and difficulties with Information Processing
Remember, disability is a highly individualised experience. People with the same disability may have very different capabilities and/or needs, so it is always best to discuss any adaptations to practice, the environment or equipment directly with the disabled person themselves rather than making assumptions about what adjustments may be suitable.
Information processing is a term used to describe the way the brain receives, interprets and stores information as well as organising the appropriate responses. Information is received via the body’s five senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. If anyone has a difficulty with one of these senses, it can affect their ability to participate in related practical activities. Some people take quite a bit longer than others to process information effectively, whilst others may need a lot of repetition before they understand, or get the hang of a process.
For example, someone with a physical impairment (perhaps as a result of an acquired brain injury) that severely restricts their ability to taste will find cooking a challenge unless they have someone else nearby to constantly check their flavourings. Someone who cannot stand to touch or be touched, such as sometimes can sometimes be the case with people on the autistic disorder spectrum, would impact on their ability to engage effectively in a hairdressing or massage course. Teachers should consider the range of senses involved in any practical work that they have in their courses, think about how these might impact on anyone with a disability in their group, and consider how the activity could be adapted to remove any barriers.
People with certain disabilities and/or learning difficulties such as those on the autistic spectrum disorder or those with hearing difficulties may experience problems with two-way communication. Some students may have developed individual forms of communication that may not be through conventional speaking and listening. For others, specific features of their disability or learning difficulty will make speaking and listening whilst processing information problematic.
