Serving Children and Youths with Physical and/or Mental Disabilities

“I Can Fly” Cathay Pacific Staff Volunteers

Jennifer SuenVocational Rehabilitation OfficerEmployment Service

Workshop Schedule• 2:00-2:10 p.m. Introduction• 2:10-2:20 p.m. Warm-up games• 2:20-3:00 p.m. Understanding the

characteristics and needs of children/youths with mental / physical disabilities

• 3:00-3:15 p.m. Group Activity• 3:15-3:45 pm Tips for activities planning

and suggested activities• 3:45-4:00 p.m. Conclusion and Q&A

Objectives

• To have a better understanding of the characteristics and needs of children and youths with mental and/ or physical disabilities

• To be familiar with their strengths and limitations

• To be aware of their special needs in planning activities

• To be supportive, effective and helpful

Common Types of Mental Disabilities

• Down’s Syndrome

• Autism

• Range of IQ score

Down’s Syndrome• Since 1866 by John Down.• Chromosomes: Human cells

normally have 46 chromosomes which can be arranged in 23 pars. However, people with down’s syndrome have 47 chromosomes.

AutismSocial: Difficulty in mixing with other children, litter or no eye contact, sustained odd play, prefer to be alone, may not want cuddling, inappropriate attachment to objects, etc.

Language: Inappropriate laughing and giggling, echolalia, not responsive to verbal cues and acts as deaf, difficulty in expressing needs, use gestures or pointing instead of words, etc.

Autism

Behavioral : Resists changes in routine, extremely overactive, spin objects, displays extreme distress for no apparent reason, no real fear of dangers, apparent insensitivity to pain, etc.

•Ref: Autism-society.org

Autism

IQ scores

70-85: Borderline

50-69: Mild

35-49: Moderate

20-34: Severe

less 20 Profound.

Special Needs of Children/Youths with Mental Disabilities

• “New language”

• More pictures, signs, demonstrations• Assisting Facilities (eg. Money vs. Octopus)

• Clear and straight forward guideline

• Ask before you help / Tell them what you’re going to do

Special Needs of Children/Youths with Physical Disabilities due to …..

• Poor walking stability

• Poor sitting balance and posture

• Poor hand function

• Limited self-care ability and flexibility

• Associated impairments

Group Activity

Background

• Hospitalization: “illness, abnormal, isolated”

• Developmental: Focus on limitations and skills training

• Community Rehabilitation: Focus on needs, social inclusion, networking, support

Person Centered Approach

• “Is a process whereby persons with disabilities, with the support of families, direct the planning and allocation of resources to meet their own life vision and goals.”

Person Centered Approach

• “Is based on a person’ s preferences, dreams and needs, and discovers what the person loves and dislikes.”

• Ref: John O’ Brien

Quality of Life

• Physical well-being

• Emotional well-being

• Material well-being

• Interpersonal Relations

• Personal Development

• Self-Determination

• Social Inclusion

• Rights

Tips For Activities Planning

• Open-minded• Listening is the key• Less Authority, More Support • Age appropriate• Choices• Self-Determination• Acceptance and Respect

ConclusionI IndividualC CareA AbilityN NetworkF FreedomL ListenY “Why not”—Be open minded

Thank you & have fun!