A new approach in supporting adults with disabilities: Individual life management consultation service at Hand in Hand Foundation

Abstract

Our study describes the Hand in Hand Foundation's individual counselling services, from planning to first results.
At present, mental health services are difficult – if not impossible – for people with disabilities to access, so treatment for their mental health problems, if it happens at all, usually involves pharmacotherapy (medical treatment). Our service aims to respond to this gap in the care system by providing psychological and psychoeducational support to adults with disabilities through counseling and skill development techniques.
In this paper, we summarise the theoretical underpinnings of service development: the specific socialization pathway of people with disabilities and the resulting specific consultation aspects, resource-based approach, trauma-informed support. We describe our working methods: inputs and experiences from the interdisciplinary team, ethical issues in working with people with disabilities, and attempts to resolve them. We also discuss the current structure of the service, the functioning of the team, and future plans for service expansion and knowledge sharing.

Keywords: adults with disabilities, mental health, individual counselling, psychoeducation, life skills