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Disabilities

Definition:

There are many different forms of disability and these are often categorised as physical, which includes visual and hearing disabilities as well as problems with mobility; and learning disabilities when people may need extra support for learning and social integration.

Why the situation occurs?

People may become disabled in a number of ways, some are congenital arising during pregnancy or when a baby is born, some are genetic and arise at various stages of a childís development, some are the result of infectious diseases, some are the result of a lack of key nutrients in a person's diet, some are the result of accidents, some are due to the effects of various causes of pollution in the environment.

People with disabilities are often marginalised or excluded from society but if given appropriate support and assistance, people with disabilities can lead full and fulfilling lives.

How you can make a difference?

Tackle the issue and help young people to learn what disabilities are and about the myths they believe to be true. Educate them to be more tolerant, to understand diversity and how they can help people who have disabilities by providing practical and moral support.

Support those who may have experienced disabilities, either personally or within the family or peer group and help to give them positive ways to tackle the issue.

Try to develop empathy encourage Scouts to think of others before acting on our actions always have consequences.

Use the materials and tools provided to follow the process of:

1. Identify the problem
2. Develop Awareness and empathy
3. Take action
4. Measure the change

Resources and links:

The World Health Organisation website contains information on this subject: http://www.who.int/topics/disabilities/en

Information on this subject can also be found on the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) website: http://www.unicef.org

Factsheets on Disability (Special Needs) produced by The Scout Association http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts/index.htm#sec_110

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© World Organization of the Scout Movement - 2008

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