Socio – psychological factors of successful adaptation of adults with cerebral palsy at the community level

Unfortunately, statistics on the birth of children with disabilities in the world are growing every year. Depending on the diagnosis and specifics of development, each child needs special care, upbringing and training. One of the types of institutions in Ukraine that provide training, upbringing, and correction of psychophysiological features of the development of children and teens is rehabilitation centres. Conditions in them are created following the needs of a particular group of people which is as comfortable as possible. Also, the specifics of training and rehabilitation provide an individual's psychological growth and development among people who have similar developmental features, and therefore the same "strengths" and "weaknesses". Cerebral palsy (CP) is defined as a persistent disorder of posture caused by a non-progressive pathological one of the developing brain. Every graduate of rehabilitation centres needs social support and assistance in adapting to an adult, independent life. Such support makes a person feel less alone reduces anxiety and feelings of loneliness and isolation. Social workers become guides from one social environment to another, mitigating such a transition as much as possible for people with mental and physical disabilities, who are one of the most vulnerable segments of the population. Individuals in later adolescence are on the verge of a crucial transition to adult life. This developmental stage involves the challenges of making living arrangements, setting goals, establishing independence, and forming social relationships (Spekman, Goldberg, & Herman, 1992). It may be a difficult period for young people with physical disabilities who face unemployment, low income, social isolation, and lack of advice (Hirst, 1982). Later adolescence also is a time of self-evaluation and comparison with others, and young people with disabilities may be forced to reflect on their physical differences and areas of competence. These developments ultimately affect their success in life and happiness. For instance, Clausen (1993) has shown that adolescent competence is linked to occupational, financial, and marital success.