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The children adaptation process with multiple disabilities in the program of respite care.
KŘENKOVÁ, Václava
The combination of two or more kinds of differently severe disabilities in an individual is characterized as a multiple disability. When this term is used, it usually means combined defects, multiple disabilities or multi handicaps. This kind of disability can be divided into two groups. There is either a congenital multiple disability which already occurred in pregnancy, shortly after birth or it is based on genetical background. Or there is another group of multiple disabilities, those which acquired during life. Disabled children, despite their differences, have right to be treated in a decent way and live a full life. Work with disabled children is often both physically and mentally demanding for their parents. Therefore there is a special relief service which helps parents to rest temporarily or gives them time for managing their personal duties and important matters. Although this change is definitely not easy for a child. It involves getting used to a new environment, new people and a different daily routine to the one which they are used to at home. The theoretical part of this work defines the adaptation process, deals with the characteristics and division of disabilities and also explains the concept of multiple disability. It focuses on cerebral palsy. Furthermore, it deals with respite care, its history and its importance for the caring people as well as for those who are cared for. I also explained the terminology of a personal assistant and personal assistance in that section. The aim of my bachelor thesis was to find out how the process of adaptation of children with multiple disabilities within respite care or relief service work. I chose the qualitative research strategy method for the theoretical part. I used the method of semi-structured interviews for collecting data. I made the interviews with assistants and parents, I also used the method of observation in a group. Then I put all the gained data together and made a qualitative analysis. My work has shown that it is not possible to comply all clients in order to maintain their living habits from home for better adaptation. However, as the research shows, all assistants are fully dedicated to their work and use all the opportunities to make the adaptation as pleasant and high quality as possible. My other objective was to asses the parents' satisfaction with respite care or relief services. After the questioning I would say that all the interviewed parents are content with the care services. The results of my work can help the improvement and development of respite care programs. It is also applicable while teaching new social workers or useful for professional publications.
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