The role of carers

This step explores the role of carers through a video from Carers Worldwide.

Throughout this course, we have discussed the importance of working in partnership with caregivers and other family members. Carers are a consistent presence in the life of a child with a developmental disability, and are vital to their long-term development and support.

Carers Worldwide highlights the vital role played by carers, and this video specifically documents the lives of carers in India.

Although the video presented above is not focused solely on carers of children with developmental disabilities, it highlights the demands placed on unpaid family carers, which can have a direct impact on their physical health, mental and emotional wellbeing, and economic security.

It is important that carers of children with developmental disabilities are included in mainstream healthcare services and the development of carer-specific services.

• What expectations do you think are placed on the carers of children with developmental disabilities?
• What support may they need?