Institutional and Community Based Work

For Children With Disabilities

Terms

Disabled child vs. Child with a disability

Disable Differently Able Challenged Developmentally Delayed

Disability Does NOT mean NO ability Children with disabilities can learn

They often need more information, time, motivation, and creativity to learn

Special materials may be needed to teach They need more opportunities to practice

each skill Speed is Not an issue In MANY cases children with disabilities can

and should be educated with their peers. These children need the chance to learn

Gilgit Blind Training School

Began in 2000 Is currently a co-

educational primary school for children who are blind and visually impaired in the Northern Areas

Currently 14 students attending the school

Two hostels located in the community

GBTS

Learning is hands on and meaningful

GBTS

Practical / daily projects are taught

GBTS Students have the

opportunity to do the same activities as their sighted peers. With a few

adaptations

Intervention

The severity of the disability, treatment, family support, and early intervention all play a part in how much a child with a disability can achieve.

The earlier the intervention, the more opportunities a child with disabilities has to develop and learn the same skills and information as his/her peers

Community Intervention for Children With Disabilities

Infants, Small Children and Children with Multiple

Disabilities

How we begin Start with a referral

(doctor, neighbor, relative)

Make initial home visit

Work with care giver (usually Mom) to provide instruction to the child

Community Intervention for Children With Disabilities

Infants, Small Children and Children with Multiple

Disabilities

Start early There are

‘windows of opportunity’ in typical child development in which children learn certain skills easier

Community Intervention for Children With Disabilities

Infants, Small Children and Children with Multiple Disabilities

Learning should be meaningful

Young children learn through play

Children learn in different ways – creativity is important

Mind Set

Children often perform to the level of expectation.

Set realistic achievable goals Then…..

Expect each child’s best!