Psychological and pedagogical support for families with disabled children in medical center

Abstract

Introduction. This paper exemines the quality of psychological and pedagogical support provided in special institutions for the families with disabled children. The aim is to share experience of such work in one of these institutions, medical center Bonum, located in Ekaterinburg. Based on this experience, the essence of the work is demonstrated and development perspectives are identified. Methods. A survey was conducted among parents of the children going through rehabilitation in the medical center. In total 108 parents have participated. 10 parents with children having severe health disorders gone through an in-depth interview. There were also interviewed 7 staff members, both doctors and non-medical stuff (social workers, speech therapists), participating in rehabilitation process. Results. Was indicated that the psychological and pedagogical support was not a core activity of the medical center. The employees were not ready for this kind of work. The research revealed problems occurring when adult family members learn how to help the disabled children adapt in the modern society and acquire social competences necessary to effectively communicate in common situations, i.e. at school or other public places. Conclusion. Among the parents of disabled children treated at the medical center there is a demand not only for medical services, but also for psychological care both for the children and for their parents, as well as pedagogical support. The authors came to a conclusion, that special schools are needed, where psychologists and pedagogues on a regular basis would teach parents the methods of socializing their disabled children, starting at the early age and up until the children become socially mature. © 2019 LLC Ecological Help. All rights reserved.