The Bill Rice Ranch has an excellent summer camp program for the deaf each summer. Identification Many diseases cause physical handicaps. Cerebral palsy is a neuro-motor disability that is caused by problems with the brain. Muscular dystrophy causes the voluntary muscle fibers to degenerate and turn to fatty tissue. Spina bofida is a defect in the development of the spine which causes paralysis of the lower body including the control of the bowels and bladder.
Epilepsy causes convulsion-like states.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes great pain and a deformity by destroying the linings of the joints. People with physical handicaps can also have emotional problems. Their restricted range of activities can cause frustration and anger. They may become withdrawn, hypersensitive, or shy. Most of the physically handicapped should be mainstreamed with perhaps some special activity programs that have been customized to their abilities.