​A disability may form a small or a large part of a child's life as he or she develops to become an adult.

Although the language we use to describe disabilities may seem specific, in reality disabilities label a varied group of conditions. Quality of life is not the same thing as disability such that many children with disabilities enjoy good quality-of-life.

Children with physical disabilities have limitations in control or movement of their body affecting their ability to sit, walk, or use their hands. Usually children with severe physical disabilities need a wheelchair for mobility and assistance from others on a day-to-day basis while children with moderate physical disabilities are generally able to walk and engage in other physical activities using a devices like a cane or walker for stability or mobility.