Disability & Development Caring for children with disabilities in Ecuador

Research for this thesis was carried out in Cuenca- Ecuador. The hypothesis was that both the risk of giving birth to a child with a disability, and the experiences of families then trying to cope, depend on the socioeconomic structure of the society in which they live, on attitudes, and on services available. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed. Qualitative interviews were conducted with parents of deaf and hearing impaired children, and of children with Down syndrome. Studies show how inadequately parents are informed of their child’s impairment. Viewing disability from a purely medical perspective the professionals know little of children with disabilities. Their faith leads some families to think that the disabled child is a punishment from God, others to think that it is an angel. Inequality, and in particular poverty, shapes the experiences of families living with a child with disabilities. Ecuadorian society offers children with disabilities few opportunities for inclusion. Caregivers are concerned about the vulnerability of their children; the likelihood of discrimination; and the abuse they may suffer. The absence of social support and the stigmatization faced by children with disabilities and their families make it difficult to develop positive and empowering adjustments that would best serve the interests of both child and family. The quantitative study shows the prevalence of developmental delay and of malnutrition. The research shows that Ecuador has a long way to go in fostering child development and in preventing disability.