EVALUATION OF SERVICES FOR PHYSICALLY DISABLED CHILDREN: EVIDENCE BASED STUDY FROM INSTITUTIONS OF LAHORE, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

The person with disability is always at risk especially in developing countries like Pakistan, with inadequate basic facilities regarding health and wellbeing. The most vulnerable proportion among disabled population is the children’s due to independence, least decision making ability, unavailability of proper support system and socio-economic conditions of families among others. Availability, functionality and accessibility of services for physical disable children is one among the most concerning area of families, health care providers, policymakers and governments since long, but unfortunately the desire results could not be achieved. The prime objective of this study is to evaluate the services provided to physically disabled children in the institutions of Lahore. This empirical study approached the government schools established under the special education department in Lahore. Primary data was collected through structured interview schedule and findings of the study reveled that appropriate services like free uniform, free transportation, free books, facility of care taker, easy access to class rooms, and monthly stipend to the children were being provided but not sufficient as per requirement. The results significantly proposed the comprehensive vocational trainings, expert’s services such as medical social worker and physiotherapist in these institutions for proper function and enhancement of services.