The Care Policy of Disabled Children in Jeddah

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Disabled children care policy evaluation

Policies are useful for business and non-profit organizations as well as governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations. Just like the policies for other organizations that are developed in line with the organizational objectives (Policy, p.15), the government policies should be developed and enacted in line with its objectives like enhancing political and economic development in the region, ensuring equitable distribution of resources, and promoting social development by eradicating behaviors like tribalism, racialism, sexism, or nepotism. They should be easy to implement (Mugabe, n.d, p.9) and the stakeholders involved in the implementation of the policies should be aware of their roles. The policies should provide alternatives for a given course of action to enable the decision-makers to handle different problems encountered.

In Saudi Arabia, there is the social service system that is concerned with ensuring that the citizens have an improved standard of living. The governments in different countries are concerned with providing support to care providers for the disabled (Department of Health, 2000, p.2). The social and economic well-being of the public is a major concern of the government of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 2011). Once these government policies have been enacted and adopted, it is important to examine the extent to which the policies conform to the intended goals and objectives of the government. The success of policies can be determined by examining how the policies were designed and how they were implemented. It also involves an analysis of the observed impacts and outcome of the implementation of the policies. It is necessary to examine if the policy generated some value for money. It is not concerned with what was expected of the policies.

The care policy for the disabled children in Saudi Arabia has been effectively put in place. There are different social welfare programs in the country that are aimed at supporting the disabled individuals. The welfare programs are administered by the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI). There are social benefits and security pensions offered the disabled. The individuals with disabilities are also entitled to some relief assistance (Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 2011). The government ensures that the given support meets the needs of the recipients by increasing the monthly stipends as per the status and needs of the individual (Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 2011). The emotions and comfort of the disabled individuals have also been considered in designing the policies. Care for the disabled children can be provided at home in the event that there is a possibility (Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 2011).

The effectiveness of the care policy for the disabled children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, can be examined through different criteria. Crabbe and Leroy (2009) provided an illustration of what can be termed as good policies. Good policies should be characterized by proper control and high degree of accountability (Policy: Characteristics of a good policy, 2011). These aspects correspond to the juridical criterion for evaluation. In political aspects, the policies should be characterized by transparency and responsiveness. The implementation of the policy should follow the rule of law (Crabbe and Leroy, 2009). The policy should be developed through a consensus among the key stakeholders. It should be equitable and inclusive by serving the interests of all the stakeholders (Crabbe and Leroy, 2009). In fact, a good policy should ensure that the vulnerable and needy individuals receive a priority in the provision of common services (Children and Families Care Management Policy and Guidance, 2008, p.4). It is necessary that he children with disabilities receive the highest level of education (Every Disabled Child Matters, n.d. p.1). In this regard, the care policy for the disabled children in Saudi Arabia is considered good as it considers the needs of the vulnerable groups. Similarly, the implementation of the policy should be participatory for the different stakeholders. Including the disabled, caregivers and their families will improve on the quality of the care services (Mitchell and Sloper, 2001, p.139).

The young disabled children should be allowed to contribute in the decision-making processes that affect their lives (Morris, 2001, p.4). This has also been achieved by the policy. The implementation of the care policy in Saudi Arabia requires participation of different government departments, individuals, and non-governmental agencies. Economically, the policies should be effective and efficient (Crabbe and Leroy, 2009). This means that the policies should be aimed at improving the living standards of the individuals in a given region. Government policies are also concerned with social development among the public. Health improvement among the public is a major concern for government policies. The necessity, efficiency and validity of a given policy best explain a good policy. The care policy Saudi Arabia is necessary in improvement of health, economic development, and social development. The policy is also valid as it includes the interests of all individuals. However, its efficiency in meeting these objectives is lowered by the poor implementation procedures.

The care policy for the disabled children has necessitated the cooperation of different agencies to ensure its success. The Ministry of Social Affairs is the government department responsible for ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are protected (Saudi Arabia: Country Specific Information, 2011). According to the ministry, the government has established several government-sponsored centers to provide care and assistance to the disabled individuals. Different institutions like the Noor Institute for the Blind, The Amal Institute for the Deaf and other social rehabilitation and welfare centers have been established to focus on proper care for disabled people (Saudi Arabia: Country Specific Information, 2011).

The government of Saudi Arabia has established different facilities for the treatment rehabilitation of the physically and mentally challenged individuals. The Ministry of Health is responsible the operation and supervision of the centers that provide services for medical, physical and mental treatment to the disabled individuals (Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 2011). There is also a need to promote social development among the disabled. The government has established facilities that are concerned with the social rehabilitation of the disabled individuals. The social rehabilitation facilities are under supervision of the Ministry of Social Affairs (Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 2011). These centers are spread throughout the country and provide the disabled individuals with different skills hat can transform them into responsible, respectable, and self-reliant members of the society. The social, educational, and vocational skills acquired from such centers enable the physically and mentally challenged individuals to interact effectively with the others in the society.

Through the policy, the government has also established special education institutes to care for the needs of the audio-visually impaired children in the country (Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 2011). Such centers are available in various parts of the country including the big cities like Jeddah. An example is the Jeddah Community College. The institution has programs to cater for the children with special needs. The institution also collaborates with institutions for students with disabilities to borrow the knowledge of how to handle such students (Zakai, 2011). The Disabled Children’s Association also has a center in Jeddah. DCA is concerned with the rehabilitation of children with disabilities so that they can be come respectable and responsible members of the society (Disabled Children’s Association, 2008).

Non-profit organizations are also not left out in the policy implementation. Organizations like the Jeddah Institute for Speech and hearing is concerned with providing treatment services to individuals with problems in speech and hearing (Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 2011). The other non-profit organization is the Help Center in Jeddah that is also concerned with mental and physical disabilities (Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 2011).

Analysis of the collected data

Interviewee 1

The first interviewee acknowledges that they have been making efforts to implement the policies that have been provided by the Supreme Council. However, the interviewee notes that the implementation of the care policy has been faced by certain difficulties. The interviewee acknowledges the importance of the policy and asserts that the policy ensures that the rights of all the members of the society are protected. It is observed that the implementation process requires a proper coordination and cooperation of the different stakeholders involved in the process. The contributions of the different governmental departments like the Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Health, and non-governmental organizations and individual donors are seen to be essential in ensuring the success of the policies.

Lack of facilities is also a reason for the failure in the implementation of the policy. It is also observed that the region still lacks some sufficient facilities and skills too handle some forms of disabilities like mental disability. Thus, in as much as the policies advocate for equal access to the care services, lack of proper facilities is a hindrance to the provision of these services. Poor infrastructural facilities and lack of legal provisions against disability discrimination also hinder the effective implementation of the policy. These difficulties can be overcome by proper training and education of the individuals concerned wit provision of care. There is also need to institute proper legislation against all forms of prejudice including discrimination based on disability. There is need to have transparency in all the operations of the line ministries involved.

Interviewee 2

The second interviewee also points out that the significance of the care policy for the disabled children cannot be overemphasized. The care policy is described as denoting the government’s concern to protect the rights of all its citizens. This adds on the characteristics of total inclusion as a quality of a good policy. It is noted that the policy has had significant positive impacts on the lives of the disabled children. However, it is also noted that the achievement of full satisfaction has been barred by certain obstacles. The interviewee observes that there are negative aspects in the mechanisms that are to be applied in the implementation of the policies.

It is pointed out that there is a large population for the disabled individuals exerting financial pressure on the government and donor agencies. In fact, there is a general perception by the disabled members of the public that governments are not doing enough to provide resources to the needy individuals (Dalley, n.d, p.1). There is need to have trained professionals to take of the children with disabilities since the professionals are better laced to understand the needs of the children. The professionals should also respect the rights of the disabled and their families (Carpenter, 2000, p.135). Professionals like psychologists have shown interest in the development of childcare (Phillips et al, 1987). In developing such policies, the policy makers should consult with these professionals.

Interviewee 3

The third interviewee also points the need to have proper coordination and cooperation among different individuals to ensure that the policies are implemented. It is pointed out that the government is not the only agency involved in the implementation process. There are other stakeholders in the process, some of which are not cooperative. The private sector is singled out as one of the participants that are not cooperative.

The positive effects of the policies are pointed out here. It is noted that the policies have had significant outcomes like improvement of the social and economic status for the disabled children and their families. The need to provide thorough training and education on disability issues is also pointed out. Improved medical interventions and related technologies can improve the lives of some vulnerable children (Hewitt-Taylor, 2003, p.73). Carrying out research on these areas and seeking information from such researches is also essential. Proper report should be provided that reveal the prevalence of different types of disabilities in the regions.

It is clear that all the interviewees agree on certain key issues that are critical. Firstly, there is a consensus that the care policy is itself good and no adjustment or changes are necessary. The problem is seen in the implementation procedures that are applied. It is observed that the success of the policy implementation requires cooperation of different stakeholders and that it should not be left as the responsibility of the government. The development of such policies should include the contributions of trained professionals who have a better understanding of the area.

Discussion

Policies are predefined steps that are established to guide the operations of a given organizations in order to realize its goals and objectives (Nancy, 1998, p.1). Policies are important entities in both the profit and non-profit organizations. Government and governmental agencies, business organizations, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations all require policies to guide their operations. In a given work environment, a properly documented policy will enable the employees to understand their roles and responsibilities within the organization. This prevents an overlap of responsibility that can create conflict among the employees. Developing a good policy enables the operations of a given organization to carry on smoothly without the constant intervention of the management of the organization. ‘Policies identify the key activities of an organization and provide a general strategy for the decision-makers on how to handle difficult issues as they arise’ (AMEinfo, 2011). The policies should be enacted in line with the goals and objectives of the given organization.

Different agencies at the local and international level are concerned with disability is issues. USAID is one such international agency that campaigns against discrimination based on disability (USAID, 2011). It is important to ensure that the care policies are implemented for a number of reasons.

The care policy for the disabled children is necessary to improve on the health of these disabled children. Good environment at the care centers enable the children to have social development (Phillips et al, 1987, p.540). It has been observed that ‘the ability of a physically or mentally disabled child to cope with and adapt to everyday life may be minimal compared to that of a normal child, and the disabled child may continuously suffer from trying to perform the functions so normal to others’ (El-Hazmi 1997). The disability influences the personality of the child leading to retarded social growth and development. The effect is a continued stress for the disabled children and their families that may lead of further complications like poor mental development. The intervention of the government through the policies that support care for the disabled children is thus a milestone in helping these children develop.

These policies are also necessary to improve on the economic status of the family with the disabled children. The care providers for the disabled child may not find an access to or maintain a well-paying job while at the same time taking care of the disabled child. As such, the families with disabled children are more subject to high levels of poverty as compared to the families without disabled children (Curran et al, 2001, p.529). Individuals with disabilities have been reported to be among the poorest in different countries (Eide and Ingstad, 2011, p.44). It has been estimated that about 3.73% of the population of Saudi Arabia is affected by some form of disability (Al-Gain and Al-Abdulwahab, n.d, p.1).

Thus by providing financial support to the families with disabled children, the government has helped in reducing the poverty levels among the public. Establishment of care institutions has enabled the other family members to have access to better jobs and maintain these jobs. However, it should be noted that the implementation of these policies have not been effective as had been planned. Some of the reasons behind such failure in the implementation of the policy are lack of an effective legislation on discrimination against disabilities. Thus, some individuals can still have express such forms of prejudice and escape the necessary penalties. Other difficulties are cased by poor infrastructure in some regions. The understanding of the needs of the disabled individuals is also changing constantly (Sloper, 1999).

However, it should be noted that the social and economic development objectives of the policy have not been fully realized due to some difficulties experienced in the implementation of the policies. Firstly, it has been observed that there is no basic legal provision against discrimination of the physically or mentally challenged individuals in Saudi Arabia (Saudi Arabia: Country Specific Information, 2011). The monarchy rule does not favor the protection of human rights (Walker, 2009).

Besides, it has been observed that there are programs to treat and rehabilitate the children with mental and physical disabilities in the region. However, the management of mental disability is not very effective in the country. The infrastructural facilities in the country are too limited to allow for proper delivery of such services to the mentally challenged individuals. Saudi Arabia has extremely limited infrastructure to care for those with mental disabilities. In order of counteract this difficulty, there had been a state provision calling for individuals to contribute towards philanthropic initiatives aimed at supporting the individuals with disabilities (Saudi Arabia: Country Specific Information, 2011).

It is apparent that the implementation process of the care policy has had certain shortcomings. To some extent, this could be attributed to the poor implementation plan that was intended. The development of a proper implementation mechanism for the care policy consists in a number of issues that ought to have been considered by the ministry’s branch in Jeddah. Firstly, there is need to have a proper communication of information to the relevant individuals. The concerned department should publish and provide information to the public concerning the services that are available at their establishments. The definition of childhood disability has been problem over a long period (Action for Children, n.d, p.1). The kind of definition given will determine the population of individuals subjected the services (Newacheck et al, 2004, p.79; Oorschot & Boos, 2000, p.344).

It should also be stated clearly the kinds of social and health care needs that can entitle an individuals to these services. This implies that the policies have to define the kind of neediness that makes an individual qualify o obtain the care services. Having provided the information to the public, the concerned agency should be ready to receive responses from the public. There is need to create a Reception and Help Desk to receive the queries from the public. The staff at the concerned department should be receptive to the enquiries made by the public and provide the necessary direction. There public should be directed on the centers from where the services could be obtained. Other programs like supporting hospital bills or monthly stipend to the disabled children should also be explained clearly. After providing proper directions, it is likely that the Ministry concerned will receive inflow of needy individuals. It is important to be transparent in the assessment of the needs of different individuals presented to the ministry. The whole exercise should be conducted fairly with all the needy disabled children getting equal attention.

With all the above procedures put in place, it is then possible to develop a plan to care for the needy. The care in this case could include provision of financial support to the disabled, provision of care services to the disabled at the care institutions, or even supporting the care providers at home. In the event that there is a possibility, it is convenient with the disabled children if the support and assistance could be provided at their respective homes. The different kinds of needs of the disabled children that have been identified are appropriate in developing the care plan. It will define clearly the type of care that is appropriate for a given individual. The implementation of the plan will be effective if there are available resources and the procedures set out in the plan are followed without undue influence. Finally, to ensure that the program runs as it was planned, the Ministry should develop a monitoring and evaluation scheme. This provides report on the progress of the plan, identifies the areas that needs reinforcements and suggests the appropriate changes to be made during the implementation process.

Limitations in evaluation

The effective evaluation of the care policy for the disabled children consists in examining the extent to which there is people satisfaction with the care services. The evaluation can only be achieved if the correct information is obtained regarding the cases of disabilities in a given region and their prevalence. The obstacles in evaluation then relate to the difficulties faced in conducting research related to disability issues in the country. The difficulties are in turn caused by a number of factors. Some of the families with disabled children are ashamed of the disability state. They would not wish to share their experiences with a researcher. Such individuals will not easily take part in the researches on disability (Al-Gain and Al-Abdulwahab, n.d, p.2).

The poor infrastructural facilities also hinder access to certain regions. Obtaining information on the progress at the care centers in these regions is not very easy.

The other problem stems from the inability to provide a good measure of for the identification of the degree of disability. It would be appropriate to evaluate the effectiveness of a policy if the correct individuals have been identified that should receive the services. Lack of the standard outcome measure makes it difficult to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of the policy in different scenarios (Al-Gain and Al-Abdulwahab, n.d, p.2).

Researcher’s thesis

The success of the care policy for the disabled children can be achieved by considering a number of factors. There is need to have transparency and accountability in the implementation of the policy. Legislations exist across the globe that defines a child in need (Children and Families Care Management Policy and Guidance, 2008). Transparency in the management of donated funds to support the needy children is essential as it motivates the contributors. Definition of the responsibilities for every stakeholder in the implementation process improves on their operations, as they are held responsible for whichever failures recorded. There is need to improve on the coordination among the different agencies involved in the implementation process.

It is also necessary to improve on the infrastructural facilities to ensure good access of the support services. Different state foundations have been established to improve on the facilities but the initiatives are still in the primary stages. There is therefore a need to solicit for input from other sources. Different individuals should be encouraged to contribute towards the improvement of these infrastructural facilities. The institutions that provide care for the disabled are more common in the urban regions than in the rural areas (Glandnet, n.d,). This is despite the fact that disability is more common in the rural areas (59%) as compared to the urban areas (41%) (Japan International Cooperation Agency, 2002, p.4). The improvement of infrastructure can improve the access to these services in the suburban and rural regions.

The effectiveness of the policies can be determined if there is good data to examine the progress of the plan. Little data is available concerning the prevalence of disability and neither is it possible to determine if the needs of alls the disabled children are met. It has been noted that ‘Regarding the number and type of prostheses and orthoses for persons with disabilities, there is insufficient data and it is unknown whether needs are being met’ (Gandnet, n.d, p.7). In this regard, more research needs to be conducted on issues of disability. The statistics on the different types of disabilities, their prevalence, and distribution should be provided regularly by the Ministry of Health. The provision of regular statistics on disability and the evaluation of the effectiveness of the policy is essential in awakening the policy-makers on the possible adjustments

Appendices

Appendix 1: The responses of the first interviewee

Interviewer: Does the implementation of the care policy regarding the provision of services for disabled children occur according to what was planned?

Respondent 1: This is not the case. We have been implementing the policies that were enacted by the Supreme Council. However, there have been weaknesses in the implementation of care policy. The implementation of the care policy for the disabled children has faced several difficulties. There has been poor coordination and cooperation among different government agencies, non-profit organizations, and individuals responsible for the enactment of policies

Interviewer: What are the pros and cons of the disabled children care policy in Jeddah?

Respondent 1:

The care policy ensures that the rights of every individual in the society are protected. The individuals have different rights and freedom including the right to access essential services in the society like education. The care policy empowers the individuals with disabilities to have a say on the kind of support they need to be accorded

On the other hand, it becomes an expenditure on the government. Funding the program is quite expensive and requires aid from volunteers and international donor agencies.

Interviewer: Does the Ministry of Social Affairs branch in Jeddah perform its duties to disabled children efficiently and effectively?

Respondent 1: It is the responsibility of the Ministry of Social Affairs to ensure that the rights of individuals with disabilities are protected. The Jeddah branch of the ministry is has shown promising efforts to cater for the needs of the children with disabilities. The difficulty that is faced is that management skills for mental disability are still inadequate in the whole of Saudi Arabia.

Interviewer: Is there attention and care for children with disabilities in public places?

Respondent 1: In deed, there is attention towards the needs of the children with difficulties. For instance, the learning institutions like the Jeddah Community College have programs to accommodate the individuals with disability. There are institutions that provide training on how to handle individuals with different impairments like blindness and deafness. Institutions providing care for such individuals are also available in Jeddah city.

Interviewer: Are there any problems or obstacles preventing the efficient care policy of disabled children? What are the reasons for that? What are the effects? How could this academic paper solve this problem?

Respondent 1: Of course, yes, certain problems have been experienced in the implementation of care policy for the disabled children. The policies are themselves valid and accountable. The difficulty in its implementation stems from lack of legal provisions that prevents discrimination of the disabled. The implementation of the policy requires involvement of different individuals. Lack of legal provision may make it difficult to monitor the individuals who are reluctant to perform their roles. Poor infrastructure is another problem hindering the implementation of efficient care policy. By collecting the views on the effectiveness and efficiency of the care policy, this paper can provide light to the policy-makers on the areas that need reinforcements.

Interviewer: Is there general satisfaction with the care policy of the disabled children?

Respondent 1: It has been stated earlier that the care policy is generally accepted. The problem that is experienced in the care policy in Saudi Arabia, especially in Jeddah, is in the implementation of the policy. If the necessary changes can be made on the legal provisions then the policies will be fully effective and efficient.

Interviewer: Is there a need to adjust or change the current care policy of the disabled children?

Respondent 1: I do not think it is very necessary to make changes to the current policy care policy for the disabled children. Perhaps an area that would prompt for clarification is the definition of the truly ‘needy’ individuals that are referred to in the policies. Little controversies may arise in the full description of disability and neediness and the qualifications that an individual may be required to meet in order to access the support services.

Interviewer: Are there any complaints regarding lack of efficiency of the current policy of children with special needs care, and how they dealt with it?

Respondent 1: There are complaints on the lack of efficiency of the policy and much of this complaint is attributed to the poor infrastructure. The efficiency of the care policy is questioned by groups of individuals in the rural regions. It has to be pointed out that much of the facilities to provide care are available in the urban areas. The government is in the process of developing state foundations to improve on the infrastructure but the initiative is still in its elementary stages. Its effectiveness cannot still be evaluated.

Interviewer: What are the qualifications of the staff responsible for children with disabilities, and what is the quality of training courses? What is the degree of their ability to bear the child’s disability and to any degree they can deal effectively with this category?

Respondent 1: Caring for individuals with disabilities requires a high level of understanding of the psychology and emotions of others. The professionals should not express sympathy but rather empathy for the disabled children. Thus, a college degree in the fields of medical sciences, psychology, education, or sociology is desirable for the care providers. There are institutions in the country that provide training on these areas as well as the areas specific to care for physically and mentally challenged individuals. After obtaining such education and training, the professionals are well placed to manage the disability of the children effectively.

Interviewer: How can the care systems, policies, and laws of children with disabilities be developed from the perspective of responsible politicians and managers of children with special needs at children with disabilities care institutions?

Respondent 1:

Firstly, this can be achieved through ensuring that there is proper training and education on matters pertaining to care of the disabled. Politicians need to advocate for the enactment and adoption of such policies. Then it is necessary to seek the views of the professionals at the care institutions as they are better placed in understanding the needs of these children.

Interviewer: How would you rate the care policy of children with disabilities generally?

Respondent 1: On a scale of 1-10 with the extreme upper end corresponding to the highest degree of effectiveness and efficiency, the care policy of the children can be rated 8. The improvement on the areas cited above can improve on the score of the policy on this scale.

Interviewer: What are your Excellency’s proposals to improve the quality of policies regarding children with special needs from your point of view?

Respondent 1: One way of improving the quality of the policies is ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation the policies. Different individuals contribute towards assisting the disabled children. Definition of proper procedures for the use of such funds is crucial in improving the quality of the policies.

Appendix 2: The responses of the second interviewee

Interviewer: Does the implementation of the care policy regarding the provision of services for disabled children occur according to what was planned?

Respondent 2: No, efforts have been made to have the policy implemented as planned but they have not fully succeeded.

Interviewer: What are the pros and cons of the disabled children care policy in Jeddah?

Respondent 2: The care policy for the disabled children indicates the government’s concern for its entire population. The children with disabilities lack access to different services in society and have often been considered as society out casts. The policy corrects this discrimination and subjects them to equal access to the necessary services. The difficulty that is faced is the large number of individuals to benefit from the policy calling for financial support.

Interviewer: Does the Ministry of Social Affairs branch in Jeddah perform its duties to disabled children efficiently and effectively?

Respondent 2: The Ministry of Social Affairs has made serious efforts to establish facilities for the care of the disabled children in Jeddah region. However, there initiative is still faced by certain challenges thwarting the efficient and effective implementation of the policies.

Interviewer: Is there attention and care for children with disabilities in public places?

Respondent 2: In deed, there is a general concern about the needs of the children with disabilities in the public places. The numerous institutions concerned with disability issues have enabled individuals develop awareness on the management of disability.

Respondent 2: Yes, there are obstacles hindering the efficiency of the care policies. The implementation of the policies are purposed to apply a mechanism that will have negative impact on the effectiveness of the policy. The poor implementation mechanism has seen poor access to the services in some areas whereas some volunteers have been demoralized in providing support to the disabled. An academic paper like this illuminates on the steps that can be taken to improve on the quality of the care provide to the disabled.

Interviewer: Is there general satisfaction with the care policy of the disabled children?

Respondent 2: Yes, there is a general satisfaction with the care policy.

Interviewer: Is there a need to adjust or change the current care policy of the disabled children?

Respondent 2: No, the policies need to be altered in any way. As long as the implementation procedures are checked, the policies will be effective in meeting the needs of the disabled children.

Interviewer: Are there any complaints regarding lack of efficiency of the current policy of children with special needs care, and how they dealt with it?

Respondent 2: Yes, there are some complaints about the efficiency of the policy. The care policy for the disabled children has considerable impacts on the lives of the disabled and their family members. However, it has not been possible to ensure full satisfaction of the needs of the individuals due to poor mechanisms for the implementation of the policies.

Respondent 2: Caring for the children with disability requires a number of professionals like medical doctors, psychologists, teachers, social workers, as well as security officers. The members of the staff have to undergo professional training in the respective areas of jurisdiction, most preferably to a degree level. A well-trained psychologist, for instance, is able to handle children with all types of disabilities.

Respondent 2: In developing the policies, the politicians should seek advice from the care providers, as the latter are better placed to identify the needs of the disabled children and. They also have a better understanding of how these problems could be solved.

Interviewer: How would you rate the care policy of children with disabilities generally?

Respondent 2: The current policies are generally good. The policies will be very effective if the few shortcomings that have been identified are corrected and the right implementation procedures adopted.

Interviewer: What are your Excellency’s proposals to improve the quality of policies regarding children with special needs from your point of view?

Respondent 2:

More emphasis should be put on the provision of education and training on disability issues. The disabled individuals should be allowed equal access to learning institutions by providing the necessary learning aids corresponding to their disabilities. The labor ministry should enact adopt policies that entitle the disabled individuals equal employment opportunities.

Appendix 3: The responses of the third interviewee

Interviewer: Does the implementation of the care policy regarding the provision of services for disabled children occur according to what was planned?

Respondent 3: Not really, the implementation of the care policy has not taken the course that was intended. Great attempts have been made to ensure proper care for the disabled children but these are undermined by laxity among certain stakeholders in the implementation process.

Interviewer: What are the pros and cons of the disabled children care policy in Jeddah?

Respondent 3: The individuals with disabilities as well as their families have different problems caused by such disabilities. High poverty levels prevail as the disabled and the care provider at home cannot engage in some meaningful economic activity. The victims also suffer psychological problems due the state that can be considered by others as inability. The intervention of the government through care policy then provides a good solution to these problems.

Interviewer: Does the Ministry of Social Affairs branch in Jeddah perform its duties to disabled children efficiently and effectively?

Respondent 3: The Ministry of Social Affairs Jeddah performs its duties though not as effective as the operation of the ministry’s branch in Riyadh. There are care institutions established in this region as well as learning institutions that have curricular focusing on the care of the disabled.

Interviewer: Is there attention and care for children with disabilities in public places?

Respondent 3: Yes, there is a lot of public concern on the children with disabilities. There are public institutions established for the care of such groups of children. There are also programs in different learning institutions that focus on the care of the children with disabilities.

Respondent 3: The problem is in the implementation of the policies. The implementation process involves governmental and other non-governmental agencies some of which are non-cooperative. In particular, the private sector has been an obstacle in the implementation of the care policy for the children with disabilities. The efforts of willing government agencies and individuals are then thwarted leading to poor services. The academic paper is important as it seeks to examine the general perception about the care policies and the difficulties faced in implementing the policies. The responsible agencies can use that information to develop better policies.

Interviewer: Is there general satisfaction with the care policy of the disabled children?

Respondent 3: In deed, there is a general satisfaction in care policy for the disabled children.

Interviewer: Is there a need to adjust or change the current care policy of the disabled children?

Respondent 3: No, there is no need. The policies are themselves very good in solving the needs of these vulnerable groups of individuals. It would only be desirable if the concerned individuals would act as per the requirement of the objectives

Interviewer: Are there any complaints regarding lack of efficiency of the current policy of children with special needs care, and how they dealt with it?

Respondent 3: I have not heard of much complaint about the efficiency of the care policy. One complaint that has been common is that the rural areas do not have good access to the services. However, even the urban regions have certain problems like communication between the concerned institutions. Besides, efforts are underway to improve on the rural infrastructure so that the full efficiency and effectiveness of the policies will be realized.

Respondent 3: Caring for the individuals with disabilities requires a better understanding of the behavior in such individuals. It is therefore desirable that the individuals undergo training in behavioral sciences like cognitive science or psychology and in the social sciences. Such programs are available within our borders and once out of the programs, the trained professionals can be fully trusted with the management of different disability issues.

Respondent 3:

Interviewer: How would you rate the care policy of children with disabilities generally?

Respondent 3: The care policy of children with disabilities can be generally considered as being very good. It would be termed excellent were it not for the implementation procedures that are not followed by some key players in the field.

Interviewer: What are your Excellency’s proposals to improve the quality of policies regarding children with special needs from your point of view?

Respondent 3: The improvement of policies requires that information be availed on the progress recorded each year. It is therefore necessary to seek and obtain annual or semi-annual reports on the types, prevalence, and distribution of disabilities in the country. The Ministry of Health needs to provide regular statistics on disability.

Reference List

Action for Children. N.d. Disabled children and young people: 21 years of policy. Al-Gain and Al-Abdulwahab. Issues and Obstacles in Disability Research in Saudi Arabia. (Online). Web.

Al-Gain, S. and Al-Abdulwahab, S., N.d. Issues and Obstacles in Disability Research in Saudi Arabia. (Online). Web.

AMEinfo. 2011. Why are policies & procedures so important? (Online). Web.

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