Lecture 7 - Individuals with Special Needs

Caring for Individuals with Special Needs

  • Presented by Ms. Hannah-Kim Grima Formosa

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

  • Date: 3 December

Understanding Special Needs

  • Definition: Individuals with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that hinder societal participation (UN, 2006).

Levels of special needs

  • Types of Impairments, and people are affected in different ways:

    • Single impairment vs. multiple impairments.

    • Some are born with an impairment.

    • Impairments can acquire during the course of their life.

Statistics on Individuals with Disabilities

  • 15-20% of the world's poorest populations are disabled.

  • Only 5-15% of people in developing regions have access to assistive devices.

  • Employment rates for disabled individuals are significantly lower (50%-75%).

  • 58 million children globally experience some form of disability, affecting their school attendance.

  • 177 countries have ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Causes of Special Needs

  • Chronic diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular issues).

  • Injuries (road traffic accidents, falls, landmines).

  • Mental health issues.

  • Birth defects and malnutrition.

  • Communicable diseases (HIV/AIDS).

Childhood Disabilities

  • Causes:

    • Some children will be born with a disabling health condition or impairment.

    • While others may experience/acquire Special needs (after birth) as a result of chronical illness, injuries, mental health problems, birth defects.

    • Examples of disabilities:

      • Physical: Cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury.

      • Cognitive/Intellectual: Mental retardation.

      • Emotional/Behavioral: ADHD, anxiety, depression, phobias, conduct disorders.

      • Sensory: Visual impairments(e.g partially sighted, blindness) hearing impairments (deafness), speech-language disorders.

Other Special Needs in Children

  • Autism, specific learning disabilities, chronic health conditions.

Rights of Individuals with Disabilities

  • Rights include survival, development, protection from harm, and participation in cultural and social life.

Cycle of Invisibility in Data Collection

Assisting Children with Intellectual Disabilities

  • Speak slowly, use simple language, employ visuals.

  • Present one concept at a time, ask for feedback, and repeat information.

Tips for Assisting Children with Sensory Impairments

  • Hearing Impairment: Use clear speech, body language, and written notes.

  • Blindness: Describe surroundings and provide guidance during emergencies.

Concerns related to sensory impairments

  • Hearing limitations: confusion

Essential Tips for Working with Individuals who are Blind

  • Introduce yourself, describe room layouts, provide verbal indications when leaving.

  • Avoid stylized fonts for written materials.

Concerns Related to Special Needs

  • Mobility Issues: Difficulty in maneuvering and emotional impacts.

  • Sensory Impairments: Communication barriers during emergencies.

Factors Affecting Child Development

  • Risk factors include poverty, stigma, poor caregiver interactions, limited program access.

Raising Individuals with Disabilities

Challenges for Parents

  • Emotions: Guilt, sadness, anger, frustration.

Strategies for Parents

  • Treat children like others in terms of love and discipline.

  • Balance the needs of all children, explain special needs, and access support groups.

  • Aid in emotional strength, patience, and coping skills for children with disabilities.

Conclusion

  • We are all wonderfully made.

  • Thank you! Any Questions?