Special Needs
Children and families with special needs are overrepresented in the alternative care system, but new learning and practices can support their wellbeing.
Every child is an image bearer of the most high God.
Each individual is precious to Him, born with a plan and a purpose. But around the world, children with disabilities are often treated as though they have less value. They encounter stigma, barriers, and extra challenges that other children do not. Not only are they expected to offer or achieve very little, they are sometimes even seen as a burden rather than a blessing.
Children with disabilities are often separated from their families.
Even when parents of children with disabilities love them and want to care for them, it can be extraordinarily difficult. Imagine the widow with three children, one of them disabled and needing special care. It takes all her focus just to meet her family’s basic needs. She doesn’t have funds to spend on therapies, travel to medical appointments, buy special equipment, or obtain the many other resources the child might need. As a result, she feels her only option to secure the best care for her child with special needs is to place the child in a different setting.
You want to care with excellence for children with disabilities.
Children with disabilities have inestimable value and tremendous potential. As people who care for vulnerable children and families, we must prioritize care for children with complex care needs and disabilities while working to strengthen their families. At times, they may require special approaches and unique support to help them thrive. What can that type of care look like, especially as we may be providing care for other children at the same time? How can we support children with disabilities in low-resource settings? How can we offer them the love, protection, nurture, and structure that will allow them to thrive?
That's what Helping Children with Disabilities Thrive is about.
Access the book for free!
Who should read this book?
Leaders, staff, and volunteers of nonprofit organizations caring for children with disabilities.
Parents and caregivers of children with disabilities.
Churches serving children with disabilities.
Child welfare professionals looking for practical tools to share with the families and programs they serve.
What will you learn?
Principles and practices for working with children with disabilities.
The importance of language in speaking about disabilities.
The origin of disabilities.
The power of play for children with disabilities.
Methods for responding to powerful behaviors.
What's included in the book?
Clear Guidance
Clear Guidance
You’ll find evidence-based guidance, moving beyond theory and opinions to show you what really works.
Visual Explanations
Visual Explanations
Infographics that present and explain complex concepts will simplify and accelerate your learning.
Practical Steps
Practical Steps
Clear action steps will help you implement learning to improve your practice.
Free Resources
Free Resources
A curated list of relevant resources will allow you to dive deeper into your areas of interest.