Social workers have a crucial role to play while intervening with children with physical disability.
Introduction
Physical disability is a common condition among children, and it can greatly impact their daily lives and overall development. It is important for social workers to be knowledgeable and skilled in providing effective interventions for children with physical disabilities. Social workers usually intervene at the micro, mid and macro levels.
Types of physical disability and its social impact on children
First, it is essential for social workers to understand the types and causes of physical disabilities in children. Physical disabilities can be congenital, meaning they are present at birth, or they can be acquired later in life. Common causes of physical disabilities in children include birth defects, accidents, infections, and chronic illnesses.
Children with physical disabilities often face unique challenges in their daily lives. These disabilities can range from mild to severe, and can affect a child’s ability to move, communicate, and participate in daily activities. Some common types of physical disability among children include cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and muscular dystrophy.
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects muscle control and coordination. Children with cerebral palsy may have difficulty with movements such as walking, grasping objects, or speaking. They may also have involuntary movements or difficulty maintaining balance.
Spina bifida is a birth defect that affects the development of the spinal cord and nerves. Children with spina bifida may have partial or complete paralysis of the legs, as well as other neurological problems. They may also have difficulty controlling their bladder and bowel movements.
Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders that cause the muscles to weaken and waste over time. Children with muscular dystrophy may have difficulty with movements such as walking, running, or climbing stairs. They may also experience muscle weakness and difficulty with fine motor skills, such as grasping objects or writing.
Living with a physical disability can be challenging for children and their families. It can affect a child’s ability to participate in activities with their peers, and may require special accommodations in school and other settings. However, with proper treatment and support, they can lead fulfilling and active lives.
The impact of physical disability on a child’s life can be significant. Apart from challenges with mobility, communication, and self-care, These children may also face social isolation, discrimination, and other barriers to participation in daily activities and social interactions.
As a result, social work intervention with children with physical disability should focus on addressing the unique needs and challenges of each child. This may involve a range of interventions, including individual and family counseling, support groups, advocacy etc.
Intervention at micro level
At this level the social workers directly work with children and their family. One of the prime interventions is to help the child lead a less dependent life. This is done through facilitating provision of various types of resources. One key resource for children with physical disability is assistive technology. Assistive technology refers to devices and equipment that can help children with physical disabilities to communicate, move, and participate in daily activities. Examples of assistive technology include wheelchairs, communication devices, and adapted computer software.
Assistive technology can greatly improve the quality of life for such children. It can provide them with increased mobility and independence, and it can also enable them to participate in school and other activities. However, assistive technology can be expensive and may not be accessible to all children. As a result, social workers may need to advocate for funding and support to ensure that children with physical disabilities have access to appropriate assistive technology.
In addition to providing resources social workers also provide support and guidance to families of children with physical disabilities. This may involve helping families to understand and cope with the challenges of caring for a child with a physical disability. Social workers can also provide information and referral to community resources and support services, such as therapy, respite care, and financial assistance.
Intervention at the mid level
At the mid level the social workers design and develop welfare programs like, establishment of learning centres, vocational training, wellbeing etc. Programs for identifying disabled children who are abandoned by their family is also designed. Care homes are one such example. Social workers also play an active role in making resources available to them and ensuring that benefits of government schemes reach to these children. The purpose of such programs is to make these children self-reliant and self dependent. Various welfare organisations across the globe are involved in programs and activities to help children with disabilities.
Intervention at the macro level
Social workers also play a critical role in advocating for the rights and inclusion of children with physical disabilities. This may involve working with schools and other organisations to ensure that children with physical disabilities have access to appropriate formal education and other services. Social workers can also advocate for policy and systemic changes to support the inclusion and participation of children with physical disabilities in their communities.
Advocacy is important to ensure that children with physical disabilities have the same opportunities and access to resources as their non-disabled peers.
As these children face mobility barriers to public places like schools, transportation, etc. social work intervention at the macro level advocates for the removal of such barriers through policy changes and ensuring the implementation of the policies.
One of the significant tasks of social workers is to advocate with the government to make policies for social inclusion of disabled children. Since they are prone to stereotype and discrimination, it is pertinent on the social work profession to ensure a healthy social life for such children.
The activities at micro, mid and macro level varies but still they have a common goal of making life of disabled children dignified and fulfilling.