Advocacy and the Disabled Child

About 52.1 million, or 18% of the American population are disabled. Within that population, it is estimated that 17% are children who are born with disabilities that result in developmental delays. Whether the diagnosis of a disability is made at birth or later, the process and actions needed to respond positively to the even are the same. Although each disabled child is unique in terms of services needed, there are a number of actions that are common to all. Several terms used in the care of disabled children will be defined (advocacy, crisis, disability, individualized education program (IEP), rehabilitation, special needs child and human rights for disabled persons). Case examples will be presented and discussed to illustrate the importance of advocacy.