Handicapped children in a developing nation--Bangladesh
Black, M.
American Journal of Occupational Therapy Official Publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association 31(8): 499-504
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0272-9490 PMID: 143212 Document Number: 111621
Bangladesh is a young, struggling nation that is emerging with strong religious and family networks and a positive hope for the future. Children are viewed as the step toward that future. The attitudes toward handicapped children were explored by examining the available health services and then conducting a survey of parents of handicapped children. Since there are few treatment facilities and these are located in cities, many children do not receive treatment. Family-oriented treatment in which therapeutic activities are incorporated into the child's daily routine and where therapists can train the child and family members, periodically reassess the child, and provide guidance and advice when necessary may be an effective way to treat handicapped children. Unlike more developed nations, the families of Bangladesh were not interested in institutions for their handicapped children, and expressed hope even in the face of serious disabilities. Providing training to these families could perhaps help them achieve that hope.