Multiple disabilities
the definition
Multiple disabilities mean associated disabilities such as (intellectual disability – visual disability – bone deformity), Together, they cause severe educational needs that cannot be accommodated in a special educational program for one disability group.
The term does not include deafblindness because it is a separate classification under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) .
the date
In 1996, Fred Orloff and Dick defined this group as individuals with an intellectual disability who require extensive support and who exhibit one or more significant motor or sensory impairments and/or special health care needs.
In the United States of America, individuals with severe and multiple disabilities are entitled to education and other support services. However, These groups do not enjoy the same rights in many parts of the world. Many people with severe disabilities did not live long. Historically, In many cultures, The presence of severe physical deformities at birth has been associated with stigma and disgrace. except if Current technology has enabled interventions that prolong the lives of these people.
Historical reports of individuals with severe and multiple disabilities who survived indicate that they were subjected to the same poor treatment as people with milder forms of intellectual disability.
They suffered a lot before the eighteenth century, But from 1700 to the late nineteenth century, There was an optimistic period, Because of the methods of education that were “discovered” by Jean-Marc Gaspard Itard (1775 – 1838) and Édouard Séguin (1812 – 1880) in France and spread to other Western countries.
In the late nineteenth century until the 1960s, There was extensive construction of institutions to house these individuals.
the reasons
There are some causes of multiple disabilities:
1- Chromosomal defect.
2- Premature birth.
3- Difficulties after childbirth.
4- Poor brain or spinal cord development.
5- Genetic disorders.
6- Accident injuries.
Symptoms
The multiple categories of disability include many symptoms in common, including problems and limitations in speech and communication skills. Challenges related to mobility and the need for assistance with daily activities.
treatment
People with multiple disabilities need support throughout their lives.
The amount of support they need depends on the degree of disability, and they may need sporadic support (meaning that support is required from time to time or for specific tasks).
Children with multiple and more severe disabilities are likely to need ongoing support.
Important aspects to cover in supporting people with multiple disorders are:
(Self-care – performing manual tasks – seeing and hearing – eating and sleeping – walking and standing – speaking and communicating – breathing – reading – concentrating and thinking)