Social inclusion, care and belonging of children with spina bifida

This book describes social inclusion, care, and belonging of children with spina bifida and their families in Uganda. In a mixed method study, 139 children with spina bifida and their families in four regions in Uganda were interviewed and observed in daily life situations between 2011 and 2016. Findings show how a complex interplay between traditional and biomedical medicine, poverty, the importance of ubuntu, and someone to help at home determines the outcomes of children in terms of health, social, cognitive, educational, and family functioning. The book calls for more family oriented and tailored interventions to enable belonging, and improve care and inclusion of children with disabilities in low income countries.

Femke Bannink holds master degrees in Psychology and Cultural Anthropology from Leiden University (The Netherlands), and received her PhD from Ghent University (Belgium), Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, research group Disability Studies and Inclusive Education. Femke has lived in Uganda since 2003, and is an independent clinician, trainer and advisor. She works with children and adults with disabilities, mental health problems, and learning difficulties.