title: [Handicap caused by clefts of the lips, jaws and/or palate and velum].
abstract: Due to clefts of the lips, jaws and/or palate and velum no normal structures are formed in the orofacial system, and thus all processes of growth and development as well as function are disturbed to an extent varying with the extension of the malformation. Integration of these children in kindergartens or regular schools is impossible unless surgery is performed. Apart from qualified interdisciplinary initial care the acknowledgement of these children as severely handicapped persons in accordance with the law could be of great help and relief for the parents. The German law for securing the integration of severely handicapped persons in work, profession and society (Schwerbehindertengesetz) pays particular attention to severely handicapped children. The basic considerations in writing medical opinions are described.
authors.affiliation: Friedrich-Zimmer-Krankenhaus Herborn.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Koch
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Högenauer
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Koch
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002971:Cleft Lip; D002972:Cleft Palate; D003680:Deglutition Disorders; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004519:Education, Special; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000002:abnormalities*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006311:Hearing Disorders; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013064:Speech Disorders
vernacular_title: Behinderung durch Lippen-, Keifer- und/oder Gaumen-, Segelspalten.