Needs Assessment of Families with Children with Disabilities in Selected Communities in Baguio City and Benguet, Philippines

This study explores the needs of primary carers of children with disabilities (CWD) to guide the development of inclusive outreach programs at a university. Guided by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model, this research sought to explore the demographic profiles, perceived health needs, and the correlation between disability type and health requirements among this population. A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted among 50 primary caregivers of CWD receiving services from La Trinidad Therapy Center in Benguet and Little Flower Convent in Baguio. The study included 56 CWD, revealing that most fathers are high school graduates and self-employed, while most mothers are college graduates and unemployed. The majority of these households belong to the low-income group. Special education sessions and behavioral modification techniques were identified as highly needed services. Cerebral palsy and autism were the most prevalent disabilities among the children. The study found significant correlations between the type of disability and specific health needs, particularly in areas such as blood typing, physical fitness activities, environmental adaptation, and mobility assessments. These findings emphasize the importance of tailored interventions to improve the overall well-being of children facing disabilities and their households.