Reducing poverty through support for children with disabilities and their families
For families of children who are born with disabilities or are at risk of developmental delays, early identification and support are critical to ensure that children thrive. Their right to immunization, accessible and affordable health care and community-based services is essential. Their ability to enjoy recreational activities, playgrounds and full participation in community life is equally important. The experiences of children and their families differ greatly depending on the availability and accessibility and affordability of quality support. Drawing of a fetus in utero. Pregnancy In utero screening can help families prepare for the birth of a child with disabilities and help initiate support for the whole family, including access to information about support services. The attitude and capacities of health professionals is crucial to detecting and providing adequate support in the early days after birth, which are also critical for the parents’ decision to keep the child within the home and prevent family separation, ensuring the child’s right to a family environment. Financial resources such as maternity benefits, cash transfers for caregivers and coverage of costs for healthcare, along with assistive technology, can help families to meet the diverse developmental needs of a child with disabilities. Birth In the days and weeks after the birth of a child with special needs, quality healthcare, exclusive breastfeeding and financial support to families are crucial to providing a healthy start. It is critical to foster the emotional ties of a child and family by encouraging skin-to-skin contact between parents and the baby, providing emotional support and building confidence and skills. Drawing of a mother holding her child. Drawing of parents caring for a young child. Early years In the first 1,000 days, access to holistic services, including health and social services, is critical for development monitoring to help identify developmental delays and disabilities. Having access to family-centered early childhood intervention services at the earliest opportunity supports families in understanding their child’s unique needs and helps create the nurturing, stimulating and safe environment for children with disabilities to thrive. It supports their development and learning, while improving the whole family’s quality of life. Early childhood intervention and timely support – including adequate financial support – significantly reduces the risk of family separation and helps prevent institutionalization and poverty.
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