Envieromental, Social Integration of Handicapped in the local community, Case study in Nablus district

This study aimed at shedding the light on problems of the handicapped, problems of mobility handicap in Nablus area pertaining educational premises and also the daily social life and then studying how far public organizations in Nablus are willing to deal with this problem and then shedding light on physical engineering aspects for integrating such group within the society. The researcher tries to investigate the realities of Palestinian handicapped youth as they see it. She also investigates the obstacles they face such as in transportation, economic aspect, social & psychological aspects, social relations and the needs of the handicapped. The researcher investigates the realities of the institutions dealing with the handicapped in Nablus district through presenting recommendations aiming at integrating the handicapped in the community. The researcher followed the field descriptive approach through filling out questionnaires and conducting interviews with both the handicapped and the personnel in charge of catering for the handicapped needs. The study showed the following results: The handicapped students all see that academic premises that meet their needs are 36.6% at schools and 34.9% at universities. The physical facilities seem to be not the major obstacle; it is rather the integration of such people in the community. The Israeli closures and seizure of Nablus worsens things for the handicapped. The number is increasing for different reasons and the funds seem to be not reaching such needy sector. A comprehensive policy is to be adopted to improve prevention against handicaps and improve the rehabilitation programs where the handicapped can participate in the community activities to raise their spirits and make them feel they are treated fairly. Statistics and data should be more accurate so that planning and policies can be drawn more precisely to help the handicapped. The relationships and coordination among institutions should be fostered. Also the families of the handicapped should be involved in the process of rehabilitation in order to deliver better services to the handicapped.