THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF LIFE OF THE DISABLED CHILDREN: FUNCTIONING WITHIN THE FAMILY

The functioning of a disabled child is linked to multiple difficulties and problems unexperienced by fully able children. The life opportunities of these children will to a large extent depend on what social competence, predisposition and potential they develop at an early stage of life. Therefore, the quality of life of the disabled child depends greatly on the living conditions of their family. That is why the role of the disabled child's family is so important in the process of preparing the child for as independent a life, as possible. Poor health conditions and disability are among the reasons for adults' limited professional activity and the poor material conditions of the entire family. Limited family potential may lead to far-reaching consequences for a child's current development and his or her future life situation. Disability in childhood carries risks of social exclusion from education and peer groups as well as from the labour market in future adult life, especially if the child grows up in privation. In order to prevent these risks, intervention to support children, youth as well as their families is necessary. Lack of family resources and the capability to invest in the child means that only external support (mainly adequate social care and educational system) may stop this negative life trajectory and prevent the disabled child from being a dependent disabled adult in future. The article takes up the problem of the quality of the disabled children's lives, characterising the capabilities, opportunities and limitations of these children's functioning within the family.