Various needs of severely physically challenged children and their families in Japan -overview-

Abstract

Severely physically challenged children and their families have various needs including mobility, communication and so on, according to their individual accompanying disabilities and disorders.Even if they are only physically challenged, physical handicap may deprive them of oppotunities to participate in various social activities, resulting in various type of developmental delay. Recent innovation of assistive technologies in mobility, communication and dicision making will promote their development and abilities. Therefore, earlier application of such devices should be considered. The Basic Law for Child and Maternal Health and Child Development is expected to work as a platform to provide challenged children with an integrated social system including medical care, social welfare, education and vocational training.