Developmental disability is a diverse group of chronic conditions that are due to mental or physical impairments which cause individuals living with them many difficulties in certain areas of life, especially in "language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living".

Treatment Approaches within South Asian Community:

South Asian community relies on support from family and friends. They are less likely to seek professional help. They may feel shame or be unwilling to accept help even when it is offered because South Asian cultures tend to believe it is inappropriate to accept services or support from others. Parents may even feel isolated from the rest of their community because of the perceived stigma of having a child with developmental disabilities.

Culture influences key aspects of and approaches to treatment for developmental disabilities, including:

• whether to seek help
• what treatments to use
• lack of accurate information about available services
• confusion about medical care and the purpose of treatment
• lack of fluency in English or French
• lack of transportation
• concerns about the financial impact of treatment on their other children
• Concern over stigmatization and discrimination.
• the expectations parents have of, and for, their child
• relationships between families and care professionals

We can help you or someone you care for to connect with available

• residential supports
• caregivers
• community participation supports (like recreation, volunteering, employment, or in-home supports)
• professional and specialized services
• person-directed planning

SAWAC helps adults and children with developmental disabilities connect to services and supports in their communities. We work with Community organizations, developmental service agencies, and schools, in order to create community connections. We assist persons with disabilities to become more independent in the community by:

• providing supportive counseling
• by offering programs in individual development and integration into the community
• linking clients to proper resources
• organizing awareness events and information sessions
• offer workshops
• offering Peer Support:
• Empowering them to live life
• Assessments for assistive devices (scooters, walkers, wheelchairs, custom seating, adapted software for computer etc

We at SAWAC believe that all persons with developmental disabilities should live as valued members of our communities while receiving the services and supports they need to fully develop their potential by creating awareness, promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and building a support network for individuals and their families.

People with a developmental disability can still participate fully in their communities. They can be great athletes, artists, workers, advocates, neighbours and friends. They're an important part of the community and contribute to the strength of our province. . Providing culturally competent care helps reduce these barriers.