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Motor/manual dexterity is a learned skill that involves executing voluntary movement to complete a physical task. Tasks may range from habitual tasks (for example, folding the arms) to highly perceptual tasks (for example, writing).

Restricted manual dexterity may be temporary, recurring or permanent, and may be caused by a wide range of disabilities and medical conditions, for example:

• traumatic brain disorder;
• partial or total paralysis;
• amputation;
• wrist sprain or fractured arm;
• dyspraxia;
• arthritis;
• muscular dystrophy;
• multiple sclerosis;
• cerebral palsy;
• brittle bone disease;
• some respiratory and cardiac diseases.

Disorders of motor/manual dexterity may also affect the strength, speed, endurance, coordination, and fine motor movements necessary for hand functioning.

Although most people depend on motor/manual dexterity in the following employability skills, this does not mean that people who have motor/manual dexterity difficulties cannot possess these skills; rather, they may need reasonable adjustments to practice to enable them to develop or evidence the skills.  

Please click on the links below for a generic description of each employability skill that may be affected by limited motor/manual dexterity.

• ICT skills
  
• Practical Skills (e.g. lab/field work)
• Written Communication
• Information Literacy
  

Click below to read about the possible effects of limitations to motor/manual dexterity on the specified skills as well as adjustments to practice/inclusive strategies.

• Motor-Manual Dexterity and Information Literacy
  
• Motor-Manual Dexterity and Use of ICT
  
• Motor-Manual Dexterity and Practicals (e.g. lab/field work)
• Motor-Manual Dexterity and Written Communication