Caring for disabled children
There are two "models" of
disability - the social model and the medical model.
The social model of disability acknowledges
that, although some people may have impairments, they are only
disabled by the world around them. For example, although a person
may have to use a wheelchair because of an impairment, their
wheelchair enables them to move around independently.
However, an individual may be disabled by
their environment, things such as inaccessible public transport, no
wheelchair access in buildings or an assumption from others that
using a wheelchair means they cannot do other things.
The medical model of disability is considered
unhelpful by disability rights groups who consider
that focusses on the person's impairment, not the person
themselves.
NCMA works in the social model of disability
which focusses on equality and the changes needed in society to
bring about that equality.
Specialist charities
Although Scope is known
primarily as a cerebral palsy charity it offers a wide range of
training and free download resources for parents and practitioners
on all disabilities and impairments. You can also access their web
tool, Celebrate every
step. The tool enables parents and the team around a child to
track progress in young children with complex support needs through
play.
