Physical and mental disability?

If you have a physically disabled child, or one with learning difficulties, finding the right help and support is crucial. There are numerous websites that can help find you a support group within your own community and indeed the local library or health centre may have the information you want. So what help can be expected. If the issue is a learning disability an occupational therapist will usually assess the needs of the child or adult and will try to ensure that they can remain within their home and live as independently as possible. If this is not possible then support is offered in a specialised staffed setting. There are also short breaks in staffed settings to provide not just an enjoyable interlude for the child or adult but also a well earned break for their carer. If the disability is a physical one the process is much the same but obviously more adapted to the actual disability. It is important that neither the carer nor the disabled person feels that they are being ignored and there are lots of equipment and useful aids that can be offered if required; for the deaf there are teachers for sign language and useful advice for regional and national resources for deaf people. All local communities have a programme up and running for both physical and mental impairment so seek out where that is obtainable and take advantage of the resources available.