VILLAGE REHABILITATION ACTIVITIES
To help start a program for the disabled, it often works out better if the agent of
change is also disabled. This helps make the outsider an insider.
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Disabled persons as leaders and workers in rehabilitation activities
Some of the most exciting and meaningful community rehabilitation activities in
various parts of the world are those that are led and staffed by disabled persons
themselves. When the leaders and workers in a program are disabled, they can be
excellent role models for disabled children and their parents. When they see a team of
disabled persons working together productively, doing more to help other people than
most able-bodied persons do, and enjoying themselves in the process, it often gives
both family and child a new vision and hope for the future. This alone is a big first step
toward rehabilitation.
Another reason for recruiting leaders and
workers who are mostly disabled persons
(or their relatives) is that they are more
likely to work with commitment, to give
of themselves. From their own experience,
they understand the problems, needs, and
possibilities of disabled persons. Because
they, too, have often suffered rejection,
misunderstanding, and unfair treatment
by society, they are more likely to become
leaders in the struggle for a fairer, more
fully human community. Their weakness
contributes to their strength.
Disabled workers give an example to
disabled children that they can lead a
helpful, full life. Polo Leyva, severely
disabled by polio, has become a skilled
welder and wheelchair maker.
Examples of community rehabilitation programs run
by local disabled persons are in Chapter 55.
Kinds and levels of village-based activities
There is no formula or blueprint for starting a village rehabilitation program. How things
get started will depend on various factors: the size of the village, the number and nature
of disabled children, the interests and talents of parents and other persons, the resources
available, the distance and difficulties for getting specific rehabilitation services
elsewhere. Also consider the possibilities for getting assistance (voluntary, if possible)
from physical therapists and other rehabilitation professionals, craftspersons, health
workers, schoolteachers, and others with skills that could be helpful.
If rehabilitation is ever to reach most of the children who need it, most rehabilitation
activities must take place in the home with the family members as the primary
rehabilitation workers. And even where plenty of money and professional services are
available, the home and community are still the most appropriate place for most of the
rehabilitation of most disabled children.
For home-based rehabilitation to be effective, however, parents need carefully
prepared and selected information, friendly encouragement, and assistance. And at
times they will need back-up services of rehabilitation and medical workers with different
kinds and amounts of skills.
disabled village children