ABSTRACT
The need to have multiple support services available in appropriate form and at the appropriate time is nowhere more apparent than in chronic disability. In addition to major dimensions of course of disability and type of impairment, certain other aspects of disability are recognized as contributing significantly and differentially to the need for support services. Physical or medical treatments which occur on a regular basis within everyday life context of the patient and family will be delineated. The psychological mechanism of denial is an important protection for family and patient at this time, and it is useful to allow them to assimilate long-term implications of the disability slowly, so long as they are obtaining appropriate short-term services. Care for acute episodes is frequently required at the onset of disability. Educational goals for children with physical disability are clearly stated in the implementation of Public Law 94-142, which provides for appropriate education for all handicapped children in the least restrictive environment.
