1. Loving The Family “Being disabled is close as you’ll come to being invisible”-Bill Golfus By: Phaivan Nameesai Spring 2008

2. Objectives: By the end of this lecture you will have a better understanding of: Disability Impact it has Guilt Family Resources

3. Why learn about disability??? It can change one’s view on disability View disability in a different angle

4. Disability: A family affair All family members are affected Systems theory help professional better understand with the rehabilitation process

5. Guilt Parents Self blame

6. Impact on Family Parent of a child with a progressive disability experience great marital stress Affected family communications Difficult

7. Age of Onset: Impact on the family Disablement occurs during childhood Many divorce have been attributed to differing level of acceptance Disabled children Cultural characteristics

8. The Marital Family: Maintaining an Established Marriage Impact marriages If marriage survives the initial shock Harmony is skin deep “Disability is one hell of a test of love!”

9. Summary There is always guilt or someone to blame for something The affects of a person with disability is not alone. It impacts all family members. Affects on parents, spouse, siblings Can determine if a marriage is stable or time for change