The rehabilitation process is considered in light of the individual's reaction to the disability, the family's reaction to the disability, and the family's capacity to influence the disabled person's adjustment for better or for worse. A number of implications for counsellors are outlined.
Traditionally health care and rehabilitation efforts have been directed primarily to the disabled person as an individual without considering how significant others, especially the family, might held or hinder the rehabilitation process. In contrast to this, the current trend is to examine various influences that relate to the management of a disability including the capacity of the family to act as a constructive support system for the disabled person. In this paper, a number of issues which have a direct bearing on the rehabilitation of the physically disabled are examined. More specifically, the patient's reaction to the disability, the reaction of the family to the disability, and the influences of the family on adjustment are considered. The paper concludes with a consideration of how counsellors can help persons with disabilities and their families during the rehabilitation process.
Reactions of the individual to the physical disability
Despite variations in degree, serious physical illnesses pose a threat to the individual in various forms. The imposed threats usually consist of threats to bodily integrity and comfort, threats to self-concept and future plans, threats to emotional equilibrium, and threats to the accomplishment of customary roles and social activities. There are also threats associated with the need to adjust to a new physical or social environment. Although different needs for * Paper presented at the Third International Consultation on Counselling Disabled People and Their Families,