532 CHAPTER 56
When trying to decide about an aid, we need to seek the balance between usefulness
and attractiveness that helps the child fit in best with his or her family and community.
Rehabilitation experts often place great
importance on usefulness, or ‘function’. But
APPEARANCE CAN BE IMPORTANT
acceptance in the community is also very
important. In some places it may be more
important. So, before trying to convince a
child like Sri to accept an aid that will make
her deformity more noticeable, we must
consider how this could affect her. In some
communities, people will soon accept both
the child and her aid. But in some societies,
people have beliefs or deep fears about
For example, one of the most
useful solutions to amputations
of both hands is an operation
which uses the two bones of the
lower arm to create ‘pinchers’.
The operation is fairly simple
for an orthopedic surgeon, and
once completed no aids are
needed for grasping and handling
a person whose body is ‘incomplete’. In
a wide variety of things. The biggest advantage
other societies, amputation of a hand has
is that the person can feel what he handles.
traditionally been the punishment, and
sign, of a thief. Or a girl who is seen as
But few people choose this alternative
because, they say, it looks so strange.
defective may not be likely to find a husband.
So, it may be socially very important for her to have an aid that looks real or is less
noticeable, even if it does not function. (If the family can afford them, sometimes
the best solution is 2 artificial limbs—hooks for home use or work, and a ‘hand’ for
‘dressing up’ and going out.)
It is, of course, unfortunate that a child feels ashamed or thinks she has to hide her
disability. We must work for greater understanding. But people do not change their attitudes
quickly. Often the child and her parents have good reasons for their fears, and we must learn
to accept them. However, we must also help the child, her family, and the community to
become more accepting of the child’s disability and to provide as many opportunities for the
child as possible.
We need to help the child find courage. A child with a new disability will often be
afraid to go out into the community, or back to school. And other persons or children may
at first take notice and ‘feel sorry’ for her—or even tease her. But if she can be helped
through this first difficult period, usually other people and children will soon get used to
her ‘difference’ and accept both it and her. As more disabled persons find the courage
to go out into the community, it will be easier for those who follow, because people will
become more open and accepting.
In the story of Sri, the rehabilitation specialist tried to solve her problem by giving
her an artificial limb. Her family spent a lot of money on it. But the new ‘hand’ did not
solve her problem. She never really accepted or used it. Her problem, which was partly
emotional, was finally solved by the whole family helping her to join them again in daily
activities, and to gain new confidence in herself.
This is very important. Too often we try to find technical answers to problems that
are mostly personal, social, or emotional. So we turn to special aids and equipment.
Sometimes these are needed. But sometimes they are unnecessary, too costly, or make
life more difficult for the child (even though they may be of some help physically). So ...
Before deciding if a child needs special aids, braces, surgery, or
equipment, and what kind, carefully consider the needs of the
whole child within her family and community.
Disabled village Children