title: A life needs model of pediatric service delivery: services to support community participation and quality of life for children and youth with disabilities.
abstract: This article presents a life needs model of pediatric service delivery that is based on the values of the intrinsic worth, dignity, and strengths of individuals. This developmental, socio-ecological model outlines the major types of service delivery needs of children and youth with disabilities, their families, and their communities within three spheres of life (the personal, interpersonal, and external spheres). The model legitimizes the concept of need, emphasizes the values of family-centered services, and recognizes child and family strengths and capacities. We discuss the utility of this transdisciplinary model in guiding pediatric service delivery to meet the long-range goals of community participation and quality of life of children and youth with disabilities.
authors.affiliation: School-Age and Adolescent Services, Thames Valley Children's Centre, 779 Base Line Road East, London, Ontario, Canada N6C 5Y6.
authors.forename: Gillian
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: Mary Ann
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Tucker
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Baldwin
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lowry
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: LaPorta
authors.forename: Louisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Martens
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017146:Models, Organizational; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000458:organization & administration; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design; D012944:Social Support