Making health services easier to use 37
A clinic will be easier for deaf women to use if even one health worker knows the
sign language used among deaf people who live in that community. If there are no
formal sign language classes close to the clinic, perhaps a clinic worker can learn
sign language from the national deaf association, or learn sign language from a deaf
person who lives nearby. They can also use a local sign language dictionary if one is
available. Even without using formal sign language, health workers can use gestures
to communicate. Deaf women themselves will be the best people to tell health
workers the type of communication that works best for them.
See pages 369 to 371 for some health-related sign-language suggestions.
Community health workers can provide care
In many countries, the skills needed to care for disabled women are considered
special and provided only by doctors. Yet many of these services could be
provided at lower cost by trained community health workers, teachers, and
rehabilitation workers.
Bringing services to disabled children
Field workers from the Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled
Children in Kavre, Nepal support disabled children throughout Nepal. These
trained field workers provide disabled children with treatment for their
pressure sores, and provide physical therapy and exercises to strengthen
affected muscles and prevent contractures. Field workers also provide aids so
the children can move about in their communities more easily.
For more information about community-based support for people with disabilities,
see Disabled Village Children.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007