Question

Examine community's role in rehabilitation.

Answer 1

The community plays an important role in the rehabilitation of people with disabilities. Its major roles are:

1. Identification: Community health workers identify children with disabilities at an early stage.
2. Medical support: They provide basic clinical treatment and make appropriate referrals.
3. Counselling: Health workers counsel families and help them develop a positive attitude towards the child.
4. Family participation: Families help in giving prescribed medicines, exercises and using assistive devices properly.
5. Awareness: The community creates awareness to reduce stigma, isolation, myths and superstitions related to disability.
6. Moral support: Community members provide emotional and social support to people with disabilities and their families.
7. Active participation: People with disabilities are encouraged to participate in rehabilitation, education, employment and social activities.
8. Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR): Local committees coordinate rehabilitation activities and involve health, education, social and political sectors.