SPED+460+Chapter+2

SPED 460 Chapter #2 Families that have more than one disabled person living in the household.
 * Description **

**Common Problems** >
 * Households with one or more disabled members are more likely to be living in poverty. Over half (56%) of households that contained one or more disabled people live in poverty compared to 29% of households living in poverty who have no one with a disability.
 * Feelings about the child's disability may be frustrating and even scary.
 * Adjusting to a child's special needs is a slow, gradual process.
 * Money problems are a major burden for many families with special needs children.
 * Insurance often doesn't cover many services, or may impose a limit on reimbursable costs that parents with high-needs children will quickly reach.
 * Many services are income-based, with more help available to low-income parents.
 * Statistics **
 * 5.8 million families, or 8.0 percent, reported one or more members with blindness, deafness, or a severe vision or hearing impairment.
 * 12.0 million families, or 16.6 percent, reported one or more members with a condition that substantially limited one or more basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, reaching, lifting, or carrying.
 * 7.4 million families, or 10.2 percent, reported one or more members who had difficulty in learning, remembering, or concentrating.
 * 4.1 million families, or 5.7 percent, reported one or more members who had difficulty with dressing, bathing, or getting around inside the home.
 * 9.6 million families, or 13.3 percent, reported one or more members who had difficulty going outside the home alone to shop or visit a doctor’s office.
 * 12.3 million families, or 17.0 percent, reported one or more members who had difficulty working at a job or business.

**Parents**
 * Couples with a disabled child are less likely to both work, compared to those with no disabled child.
 * Parents often neglect caring for themselves and the healthier children in their family in their efforts to meet the needs of their challenged children
 * Burnout, deterioration of a marriage, and even temptation to abuse or neglect disabled children.
 * Train other family members and friends to care for your children so you have dependable babysitters
 * Parents should work out a fair division of duties, to avoid one overworked spouse building up resentment.
 * Depression is more common in parents of multiples in general, and is even more likely if one or more of your children have died or are disabled.
 * Learn how to include your child in their gatherings.
 * Learn how to include your child in their gatherings.

**Students**
 * Child's education is vital
 * Need love and care in order to thrive
 * Respect their unique bond.
 * Look for hidden blessings in your situation.

**Teachers**
 * Child's education is vital
 * Encourage parents to bring someone with them to Individual Education Plan meetings to help take notes while they talk with teachers, and prepare a list of concerns and questions in advance.
 * Teachers and counselors responsible for each child's welfare need to know about multiple-related psychological issues for both children and parents, especially the practical difficulties of juggling several children's needs.
 * Use common sense when planning outings, and be flexible in limiting time spent at long events if your child tires easily.
 * Choose your battles wisely and prioritize
 * Learn how to include the child in gatherings.

http://www.census.gov/prod/2005pubs/censr-23.pdf http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/disabilityhouseholds.pdf http://www.ggy.bris.ac.uk/pfrc/completed_research/Reports/DWPDisabilityCaring_FullReport.pdf http://www.synspectrum.com/specialneeds.htm
 * Sources **