Just as with an adult, when services are available, then we want to make sure that we are all using the same definition. Disability is a complex concept and with it comes social, legal and historical influences. However, to provide protections, services, and proper medical care for special needs child or anyone who is disabled, we must be able to define it.

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The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) does not change its definition of disability for a child versus an adult. It states that someone is disabled when there is a mental or physical impairment that has a long term or otherwise substantial impact on the person's ability to handle typical activities of daily life. These persons may have a physical or mental impairment that lasts or seems is going to last for more than 12 months, or has no end because it will last for the rest of the person's life. It is also important to understand what is meant by unable to handle typical activities of daily life. This means a person may have impaired mobility, dexterity, coordination, or confidence. This person may not be able to lift or carry items, may have memory problems, or problems with speech, vision, or hearing. They also may not be able to understand when there is physical danger.

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Caring for the disabled can take a toll on caregivers, even if it is a parent who provides care for special needs child. Often times, a parent relies on in home care for their disabled child. A parent may not be equipped to provide their child, even though they may want to, with everything that child needs. In home providers for disabled children help to give support to the parents to help reduce their own stress and do not impact their own health. They cannot take care of their child if their own health is in question. Providers can stay with the child so the parent can go out and do some things that they need to take care of, such as shopping. It also allows them some time to take up a hobby or take care of their own needs, such as doctor's appointments or hair appointments. They provide some minor housekeeping services, like laundry or dishes. They may even be able to run some errands so that the parents do not have to do them.