The Plight of Children with Disabilities

In the Province of Bohol, access to information on the status of children with disabilities (CWD) is difficult due to limited information base. This prompted the University of Bohol, College of Allied Medical Science (UBCAMS) to conduct a research on the status of CWD and their families. There are many cases of children with disabilities with various forms of difficulties. Leading causes of disabilities are Cerebral Palsy, Musculoskeletal Deformities, Down Syndrome, Mental Retardation and Speech/Language/Hearing Deficiencies. The study discovered very rare cases of Progeria, Muscular Dystrophy and Amelia in the area. Analysis of the cases indicates high significance of first born babies from young mothers and from those at the late reproductive age. The socio-economic conditions of the parents indicate they have low education and low-paying jobs. The city/ municipal health units gave limited support to the CWD and their families. Lack of knowledge and skills in the proper care of CWD are also evident among the parents/care givers and even of local health workers. The research concludes that majority of CWD and their families are left to fend for themselves without support and help from government or civil society.

 

Key words - children with disabilities, integrated rehabilitation program