What families with children with brittle bones want to tell.

Osteogenesis imperfecta or brittle bone disease (BBD) is a most unusual disease and a limited number of people in the world are suffering from it. Most studies focus on the medical aspects of the disease and very little has been done with regard to the pedagogical and psycho-social aspects of the disease. This article is based on a questionnaire answered by 30 families, and interviews with 10 families with children and adolescents with BBD, and the purpose is to survey the consequences of the disease in daily life. Although medical treatment is of utmost importance, it is necessary to regard also other aspects, as it is significant to have a holistic view of the child in his/her environment.

Habilitation, support and service for young people with motor disabilities. A Swedish perspective.

'Full participation in society' and 'equal opportunities' are key concepts in Scandinavian habilitation and rehabilitation policy. Few studies have been conducted concerning young people with disabilities and their life situation. This is a short report of a study based on a questionnaire answered by 477 young persons aged between 16 and 25 years, primarily with motor disabilities. The results show that they have fewer opportunities than young people in general to participate in social life. A conclusion is that improvements need to be made regarding the quality and quantity of habilitation support.

Computer play centres for children with disabilities.

For all children play is the leading and dominating activity in childhood and essential in child development. Many children with severe disabilities have limited opportunities to play and need support. Computer play can be a good support in habilitation/rehabilitation of children who have not earlier been able to play independently. Eight pilot computer play centres were started in Sweden in 1992 and since then the number of centres has increased. The target group was children with disabilities on the level before reading and writing. This brief report is a description of the computer play centres and the first three activity years.

Implementation of new technology for persons with mental retardation and the importance of staff education.

Few studies have been conducted with focus on implementation of assistive technology for persons with mental retardation at day centres. This study elucidates some of the factors affecting the implementation and also reveals the results from an empirical survey on education and attitudes towards usage of new technology by day centre staff. The importance of staff education on mental retardation, assistive technology, adaptation of devices and methods for training is stressed.

Children and adolescents with brittle bones--psycho-social aspects.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) or brittle bones is a most unusual disease and there is a limited number of people in the whole world suffering from it. Most studies reported from this area are in the medical field and few illuminate the psycho-social effects of the disease. Three studies of children and young people with brittle bones have been carried out within the psycho-social field in Sweden. They are all based on inquiries and interviews with children and parents engaged in the Swedish National Organization for Physically Disabled Children and Adolescents.