Disability Through

the Life Cycle

The life cycle of disability refers to the different stages of life that a
person with a disability may experience, and the specific challenges
and opportunities that may be encountered at each stage.

Name: Nancy Jain

Course: PGDRP
Supervised by: Ms. Anushka Negi
 INTRODUCTION
Disability is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of conditions
that can impact a person's physical, mental, cognitive, or sensory
abilities. Disability can be present from birth, acquired through illness
or injury, or develop over time.
Each life stage brings with it new needs, challenges, roles and social settings, and is
often accompanied by new demands on both the person with disability and the
caregiver.
 We divided the life cycle of Disability
Childhood

Adolescence

Young adulthood

Middle age

Older adulthood
 CHILDHOOD
Specific problems

•Early identification and diagnosis

•Access to early intervention services

•Educational placement and support

•Social inclusion and peer relationships

•Bullying and discrimination

 ADAPTING STRATEGIES
Early intervention services can help children with disabilities reach their full
potential. e.g. occupational therapy
Educational placement and support should be individualized to meet the child's
needs. e.g. special education
Social inclusion and peer relationships can be fostered through inclusive
classrooms and activities. e.g. group training activities, play therapy
Bullying and discrimination can be prevented through education and awareness.
e.g. awareness camps, moral education.
 ADOLESCENCE
Specific problems
•Puberty and sexuality
•Self-esteem and identity development
•Transition from school to work or
postsecondary education
•Dating and relationships
•Independent living
 Adapting strategies
Adolescents with disabilities need education and support to navigate puberty and
sexuality. e.g. sex education
Self-esteem and identity development can be supported through positive role
models and opportunities for success. e.g. counseling, ted talks.
Transition planning can help adolescents with disabilities prepare for life after
school. e.g. vocational preparation
Dating and relationships can be facilitated through inclusive and accessible social
activities.
Independent living skills can be taught and supported through community-based
programs. e.g. Superhero me
 YOUNG ADULTHOOD
Specific problems

•Employment

•Education

•Housing

•Transportation

•Healthcare
 ADAPTING STRATEGIES
Vocational rehabilitation programs can help young adults with disabilities find and
maintain employment.

Postsecondary education opportunities can be made more accessible through

accommodations and support services. e.g. career counselling programs

Housing options should be affordable and accessible to people with disabilities.

Transportation options should be accessible and affordable to people with

disabilities.
 MIDDLE AGE
Specific problems

•Employment

•Family caregiving

•Healthcare

•Accessibility

•Social isolation
 ADAPTING STRATEGIES
Employers can make workplaces more accessible and supportive for people
with disabilities. e.g. cooperative environment
Family caregivers need support services to help them care for their loved ones
with disabilities.
Healthcare providers should be trained to meet the needs of people with
disabilities.
Communities can make public spaces and services more accessible to people
with disabilities.
Social isolation can be reduced through inclusive social activities and support
groups.
 OLDER ADULTHOOD
Specific problems

•Age-related health conditions

•Retirement planning

•Access to healthcare and long-term care services

•Social isolation

•Elder abuse
 ADAPTING STRATEGIES
Healthcare providers should be trained to meet the needs of older adults with
disabilities. e.g. medicines, regular check-ups
Retirement planning should include consideration of healthcare and long-term
care costs. e.g. pensions, insurance
Access to healthcare and long-term care services should be affordable and
accessible to older adults with disabilities. e.g. government healthcare service
Social isolation can be reduced through inclusive social activities and support
groups.
Elder abuse can be prevented through education and awareness.
 CONCLUSION
Disability can occur at any stage of life and can present a number of unique
challenges. However, there are a variety of adapting strategies that can help
people with disabilities live full and productive lives.

It is important to learn how to face those challenges and prepare yourself to be

independent with available resources and support at every life stage.
THANK YOU