Sensory and/or physical

Learners may have visual or hearing impairments, or physical disabilities that affect mobility, coordination, or access to learning. Support includes specialist equipment, adaptations, and therapies to ensure full participation and independence.

Short code	Description
Vision impairment	Reduced or absent vision affecting learning, spatial awareness, and incidental learning—requires accessible materials, assistive tech, and environmental adaptations for full inclusion.
Hearing impairment	Permanent, partial, or total inability to hear in one/both ears, affecting speech, language, and learning—often supported by hearing aids or assistive technology.
Multi-sensory impairment (deafblindness)	Combined vision and hearing loss causing communication, mobility, and information access challenges—requires tailored, multisensory support strategies.
Cerebral palsy	Neurological motor disorder affecting movement, coordination, and sometimes speech—impacts learning, mobility, and classroom participation; severity varies widely.
Developmental coordination disorder (Dyspraxia)	Motor skill disorder causing clumsiness, poor balance, and coordination difficulties—often co-occurs with ADHD, affecting writing and daily tasks.
Sensory needs often associated with autism	Atypical responses to sensory input (hypersensitivity/hyposensitivity), leading to overload or under-responsiveness—commonly impacts focus, comfort, and learning environments.