DISABILITIES(ULEMAVU)

WHAT IS A DISABILITY?

According to the Human Rights Code, a disability includes:

• Any degree of physical disability, malformation (kasoro)

• A condition of developmental disability (Maendeleo ulemavu)

• A mental disorder (ugonjwa wa akili)

• A learning disability (kujifunza ulemavu)

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXFNsg-48Yk

CONDITIONS CAUSING DISABILITY ARE CLASSIFIED BY THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY:

• Inherited - genetically transmitted. (Urithi)

• Congenital (Toka Alipo Zaliwa)caused by a mother's infection or other disease during pregnancy, embryonic developmental problems, or by injury during birth.

• Acquired (Ukosefu)conditions caused by illness or injury.

• Unknown origin. (Asili haijulikani)

• Disabilities can affect people in different ways, even when one person has the same type of disability as another person.

• Anyone can have a disability.

• Disability can occur (kutokea) at any point in a person’s life.

• Some disabilities may be hidden (Kuficha) or not easy to see.

MANY DISABILITIES ARE INVISIBLE

• Brain Injuries (Ubongo Majeruhi)• Mental Health (Afya ya Akili)• Learning Disabilities (kujifunza ulemavu)• Vision (Maono)• Hearing (Kusikia)

TYPES OF DISABILITIES

• Physical Disabilities

A variety of physical disabilities result from congenital conditions, accidents,

or neuromuscular diseases. These disabilities may include spinal cord injury,

cardiac conditions, paralysis, polio etc.

•  Medical Disabilities

Other disabilities include conditions affecting one or more of the body's

systems. Like, Cancer, Diabetes, HIV / AIDS, Epilepsy etc.

TYPES OF DISABILITIES

• Psychiatric Disabilities

A wide range of behavioral and/or psychological problems like:

anxiety (Wasiwasi), mood swings, depression (Unyonge), and/or

hallucinations (Maluweluwe ).

TYPES OF DISABILITIES

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

(kutokua makini - kuhangaika - Matatizo)

ADHD is a neurological conditions affecting both learning and behavior.

It results from chronic disturbances in the areas of the brain that regulate attention,

impulse control and the executive functions, which control cognitive tasks, motor

activity,

and social interactions.

• Children and adults with ADHD do not have low I.Q!

• They do have problems with listening, reading, writing,

or mathematical skills.

GOVERNMENT POLICIES, AND SUPPORT

In the world there are estimated 650 million disabled people. In order to protect and enhance the rights and opportunities of those people,

the United Nations established national laws concerning persons with disabilities.

Tanzania ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 2009

for example:

Equal rights to education.

Equal employment, and cultural life.

The right to own and inherit property.

To not be discriminated against in marriage.

SAFEGUARDING DISABLED CHILDREN

Disabled children are more likely to experience abuse than non-disabled children.

Disabled children living away from home are particularly vulnerable.

National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity

Services: Dept of Health (2004).

SAFEGUARDING DISABLED CHILDREN

Disabled children are more likely to be:

• Abused

• Neglect

• Physical abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Emotional abuse

WHAT CAN WE DO AS FACILITATOR?

• Empowering (Kuwapa uwezo) disabled children in their daily lives.

• Developing communication vocabulary.• Sex education and safety. • Encouraging work.

WHAT CAN WE DO AS FACILITATOR?

Provide children knowledge, awareness, information and language to:

• Keep safe.

• Make better choices on their own.

• Build stronger identity, self confidence and self-esteem.

• Explore and understand experiences.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kxSrPD__BA