WHAT PARENTS SHOULD BETTER DO (Part III)

WHAT PARENTS SHOULD BETTER DO

Continuation of 2nd Part...

7. In order to deal with the child with the disability, parents would better acquaint themselves with the nature of problems and the measures adoptable by other parents that would enormously benefit. For this, keeping regular touch with other parents would no doubt be helpful. Exchanges and interactions between the parents enhance self-confidence and assure appropriate dealing with the child with the disability.

8. In modern day world, people are busy in satisfying themselves. Whether in opulence or penury everybody loves oneself most and the grievance is the outcome when one is made to take care of others. But parents with children with disabilities are to devote larger share or their time towards the children. If no time is given or care of the special child is left under the responsibility of a hired person or others a hostile situation would be faced. In that event, life would be less sweet and the world aggressive. Devoting greater time to the special child does not imply overprotection, nor rejection. It means to find ways how to bring the special child to mainstream life as close as possible. No person other than parents will be able to devote time and care to children with disabilities.

9. Issues involving the welfare of persons with disabilities can best be upheld by the parents who have the most intimate knowledge about the problems. As pointed out earlier interaction and exchanges between the parents strengthen them in dealing with the problems. But parents are really empowered if they form groups. All know one stick is weaker than a bundle. Similarly, parents groups or association are strong and essential. It on the one side would reiterate that a parent is not alone, and general satisfaction about the strength of the group is always a better choice as it is stronger than an individual.

10. Alert parents must be satisfied about what the therapists, if any, are doing and for what. Spending money, devoting time all are expensive in terms of money. The resource cannot be wasted. If any treatment or therapy is not effective frustration would creep in and parents may be demoralized. This also advocates involvement.

To be Continued......

                                                                                                      Taken from

                                                                                                        "Sfuran"

                                                 Commissioner Disabilities, Govt. of West Bengal

What Parents Should Better Do (Part II)

What Parents Should Better Do

Continuation of 1st Part...

4. Parents should also see that siblings  of the special child, grand parents and near relatives living with them acquire knowledge of disability. It would than be a bogie of like behaviours meted but effectively for betterment of the special child. Parents group can persuade trainers or specialists to have some sitting with the siblings, grandparents and near relatives of the family.

5. Parents often are found to be ignorant about the facilities and assistance given by the State. With the introduction of various Acts the Government have intensified pattern and volume of assistance to the person with disabilities. The details of facilities and opportunities can be available in the Office of the Commissioner for persons with disabilities or Director of Social Welfare, Department of Mass Education Extension at Kolkata and offices of the District Magistrates (Social Welfare Section) in the districts. Various non-government organizations working in the disability sector can also help the parents in this regard.

6.There are these laws in the country – i) Persons With Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights & Full Participation) Act 1995, ii) National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act 1999, iii) Mental Health Act 1987, & iv) Rehabilitation Council of India Act 1992. All these laws have various provisions of assistance covering all aspects of living. Important subjects relate to early identification, certification with percentage of disability, education, employment, barrier-free environment creation, social security, non-discrimination, affirmative actions all for benefit of the persons with disabilities parents if knowledgeable about the provisions of the Acts can choose the right and shortest track to get the desired facility.

                                                                                                To be Continued......

                                                                                                      Taken from

                                                                                                        "Sfuran"

                                                 Commissioner Disabilities, Govt. of West Bengal

What Parents Should Better Do (Part I)

What Parents Should Better Do

Everybody would perhaps agree to the proposition that sooner we identify or detect a mistake and fire greater the chances of success and prevention of destruction. Similarly, disability, if detected early the impact, is minimal. Despair and gloom have no cutting edge Nor anybody is ready to pay attention to lamentation for the irony of fate usually made scapegoat by parents when a child either born with a disability or become disable by any reason. The most piercing is the pain when parents are faced with problems of children with mental disabilities, cerebral palsy and multiple disabilities. There is no doubt that parent’s responsibilities are greatest in shaping the future of offsprings.

Some steps are suggested :

1.    When a child with the disability is born the parents, as well as other members of the family, are upset. They wear look of gloom. But there is no reason for being upset because anxiety and bewilderment would not relieve them. What is required is to accept the fact and deal with the problem. Parents should not be over-protective. Neither they should be reluctant.

2.    It has been seen that a considerable time, say 4 to 5 years are passed before the disability is detected and confirmed. It is not uncommon that people are ignorant of disabilities with their types and the actual needs. So it is advisable for all parents to in touch with networking system concerned with the disability sector. Thereby they would have the idea about the type of disability, its symptoms, impact and measures to be adopted.

Once knowledge about the type of disability is acquired the next thing parents should do is consulting specialists. The concerned specialist would of course after examination would give guidance in the matter of training, education, aids and appliances, therapy whatever is required. In this matter, it is better to go to the specialists who are attached to special schools or organization. It is further advisable to consult specialists who are professionals recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India. Even, whether doctors are to be consulted would be advised by such specialists. If RCI registered specialists are found to misguide by any chance parents can complain with the RCI Govt. Of India.

To be Continued......

                                                                                                        "Sfuran"

                                                   Commissioner Disabilities, Govt. Of West Bengal