This page is a library resource containing information on disability issues and therapy tips for parents and families with disabled children. The following publications are all available to be downloaded from this site. If you have difficulty dowloading or prininting these documents please contact us and we will arrange to have a hard copy sent to you.

We would like to thank Alison Proctor for developing the Information Sheet series while working as a volunteer for disability services in Samoa.

English version
(956kb)

"Inclusive Education for Tonga"

A project by NATA Treasurer Talafaiva Lotolua on establishing an inclusive education system in Tonga, completed as part of her studies for a Certificate in Community Initiatives for Inclusion in India, 2005.

Information Sheet 1 - "What is Disability"

Disability explained.

Information Sheet 2 - "How do we know my child has a disability and how do we help"

Provides general information to help parents consider if their baby or child may have a disability. General information on how to help babies and young children who do have a disability.

Information Sheet 3 - "Why is my child different?"

Provides background information on the nature and reasons behind some disabilities.

Information Sheet 4 - "Maria's story - Adapting therapy to village life"

A scenario about Maria, who has cerebral palsy. Provides information on how her family provided her with support and examines the dificulties and rewards that both Maria and her family encounter as she grows up.

Information Sheet 5 - "Helping your child to see "

Provides information for parents and families of children with disabilities on how to encourage and promote children to use their eyes to develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Information Sheet 6 - "Helping my child to use their hands"

Provides information for parents and families of children with disabilities on how to encourage and promote children to use their hands to develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Information Sheet 7 - "Nerves – the telephone system of our body"

Provides information on how the human brain and nerves work to help you understand disability which involves damage to a child’s brain.

Information Sheet 8 - "What is cerebral palsy?"

Provides background information on Cerebral Palsy which is a type of disability that can result from damage in a babies brain and/or nerves. (Should be read in conjunction with Information Sheet 7).

Information Sheet 9 - "What is down syndrome"

Provides background information on Down Syndrome. There are many children in Tonga with Down Syndrome.

Information Sheet 10 - "About strange and difficult behaviours"

Helps explain strange and difficult behaviours associated with some disabilities and provides tips on how parents and children can manage these behaviours.

Information Sheet 11 - "Helping my child get to the next step"

The next step is to look for ways for your child to do things for themselves! This sheet provides advice on how to help your child be more independent.

Information Sheet 12 - "Teaching my child to communicate"

Communication is a two way process. This sheet provides advice on how you can broaden a child's world by communicating with them in different ways.

Information Sheet 13 - "Preventing muscle shortening"

Provides background information on why and how a child's muscles may shorten. Then provides advice on how to prevent this from occuring.

Information Sheet 14 - "Teaching our communities to include all of our children"

Provides information on the importance of teaching disability awareness to all members of the community.

English version (160kb)