Impediments to the disabled to develop their potential

Abstract

Impediments which hinder a person with a mental handicap from developing his potential can be many. Due to lack of space and time I had to limit my work, research and evaluate available data about three specified areas:- Family, Society and Education. I chose: 1. The family; because every child is born without his knowledge or choice in a family and the family's attitudes and behaviour can hinder the child from developing or can help the child to reach his maximum potential 2. Society (or community) is an environment which enfolds the child; as soon as he is born; so the image projected by society can influence the development of a child who is part of this society. 3. Education; Every child is given formal education from a very young age without her/his choice as school is compulsory because s/he needs such education to be prepared for future life. A child with a mental handicap has a right for formal education; to be taught, trained and helped to reach his maximum potential and be prepared for future life. Both the family and society are considered to have a place in informal education where a child can be taught in a natural environment; whereas, education taught at school etc. is considered to be formal as teaching is done in a structured, institutionalized environment When considering the influence that the family, society and education has on persons with a mental handicap, one cannot remain passive.