A Report on the Social Needs of the Physically Handicapped
1970 Volume 7 Issue 2 Pages 99-107
Details
1970 Volume 7 Issue 2 Pages 99-107
An investigation was performed on the occupational, medical, educational, living problems and welfare policilies of 273 subjects institutionalised in Rehabilitation Centers for the physically handicapped using the questionaire method.
The Purpose of this study is to know the social needs of the physically handicapped. Since the subjects were limited to those in institutions, the results may not represent the true general tendency. However, from the results obtained, the following comments were made as one aspect of the social needs the physically handicapped:
A. Social needs of the physically handicaped.
1) Most of them wish to live at home and to work in the same place as the healthy. However, most of the severely handicapped, wish to live in social welfare institutions and to work in Sheltered Workshop.
2) Though they cannot be self supporting because of their handicap, they do have the satisfaction of working using their remaining capacities.
3) They hope for advancement of the social security.
4) They dislike being under public assistance or care of the family.
5) Many express dissatisfaction in human relations.
6) They feel the importance of self-support.
7) They wish for the general public to have better understanding of the handicap and to have a friendlier relationship with others.
B. Counterplan
In regard to 1), 2), 3), and 4), the enhancement of social security, the consolidation of social welfare institutions and housing, the promotion of employment, the training of specialists (physical and occupational therapists, home helper, social worker etc.) must be done. For 5) and 6), case work and counseling for the physically handicapped should be excuted for their morale support.
Campaign to the general populations (including the physically handicapped) is necessary to eliminate the prejudice toward the handicapped by giving correct knowledge. A fair chance for employment and education should be given to the handicapped without discrimination.
Community organization program must be put into practice to relieve the handicap from their alienation and to establish a sense of social solidarity.
