Free webinars to support parents and carers of children and adults with disabilities during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the reality that change is constant, and that adapting to change is vital for anyone.

Some changes may be subtle and easy to adapt to, however others such as the situation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic can bring about substantial burden and challenging situations, Aġenzija Sapport said in a statement. “This is especially the case for families with persons with disabilities, who rely on routines and structures, which have been abruptly and completely upheaved.”

Aġenzija Sapport in its constant pursuit to support persons with disabilities and their families, has recognised the pressing need to also quickly adapt to the changes imposed on its services and has been reaching out and offering the much needed support to parents of adults and children with disabilities via free webinars.

“These webinars are delivered in Maltese via a panel of professionals including Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists and Social Workers. Each week a new topic is discussed and parents are provided with practical tips and guides to support them in this imposed new way of life. Parents are also given the opportunity to interact by asking questions to the panel members.”

Difficulties being faced and topics being discussed

Bearing weight on parents’ shoulders amongst others are issues such as: Their child not being able to understand why the routine has been changed; More challenging behaviour exhibited; Increased fatigue on parents due to caring 24/7 for their child who cannot leave the house; Fear of higher complications of the virus, if contracted, as their child falls under the vulnerable persons group; How to support their child in expressing emotions in these extreme circumstances.

“A change in routine is difficult for all the family especially for a person with disability who cannot easily understand why suddenly everything changed. Sometimes this leads to more challenging behaviour,” one webinar participant said.

Considering such parents’ issues, Aġenzija Sapport professionals are addressing these topics through the webinars and have already discussed topics on how to create structure and routine at home, on how to find time for selfcare, using positive discipline, the use of descriptive praise and supporting the child’s communication.

How can such topics support families?

In the webinar dedicated to communication, the topic further discussed the element of descriptive praise. Parents were given advice on how to make use of simple tools to engage with their child that would benefit both the child and parent. Examples included carving out some uninterrupted ‘talk time’ during the day, whereby the parent can listen to their child and ask them questions, to maintain eye contact and smile while doing so, to praise behaviours or performances that parents would wish to see their child continue doing.

“By offering genuine compliments and actively listening to your child, one would nurture the child’s self-esteem, strengthen the communication channels, gain insight and understand how the child is feeling and in turn create a stronger and more positive relationship with the child,” the agency said.

These and other resources, including recordings of the webinar sessions, are all available from the Agency’s website for reference at a later stage.

The practicality of it all

Is it the case of easier said than done? In these difficult circumstances it is understood that trying out something new in midst of a barrage of changes might seem overwhelming and too much to take on.

“This is why the professionals in these sessions break down the tips in simple tools that may be carried out without a lot of effort and which do not require a substantial amount of time. Each one slowly building upon the other.”

“Furthermore, joining the webinars every week creates a routine in itself, and parents can have some comfort in the knowledge that they are not the only ones facing these issues, other parents of children and adults with disabilities are going through same or similar experiences. Additionally, parents may ask questions, be heard and know that Aġenzija Sapport is doing its utmost to offer support,” the agency noted.

How to join

The webinars are delivered every Tuesday from 2pm and 3.30pm.

The link to join may be found on Aġenzija Sapport weekly Facebook event and on the website www.sapport.gov.mt.

Recording of past webinars are also available on the Agency’s YouTube channel. One may also call on 2256 8000 or send an email on sapport@gov.mt for more information.