"It was a wonderful experience interacting with you and appreciate the way you have planned and executed the whole publication process within the agreed timelines.”
Subrat SaurabhAuthor of Kuch Woh Pal
The "Disability/Chronic Illness Impact on Family Dynamics Scale" is a comprehensive tool designed for the assessment and quantification of the multifaceted impacts of disability or chronic illness on family dynamics. This scale encompasses various domains including emotional, financial, social, caregiving, and adaptation and coping strategies, to capture the nuanced realities faced by families. It employs a Likert-type response format for its items, facilitating ease of response from participants while ensuring detailed insight into each domain. Developed through a meticulous process that involved expert consultations and pilot interviews with families, the scale underwent rigorous item selection and validation, including factor analysis, to ensure its reliability and validity. With a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.73, the scale demonstrates acceptable internal consistency, and a high Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.98 across administrations indicates excellent test-retest reliability. This tool serves as an invaluable resource for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers, aiding in the development of targeted support services and interventions for families navigating the complexities of disability or chronic illness.
Dr. Surender Kumar Dhalwal, Sunanda Rana
Dr. Surender Kumar Dhalwal leads the Department of Clinical and Rehabilitation Psychology and Research at the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (Divyangjan) in Dehradun, India, driving forward over two decades of research and practical applications to empower individuals with disabilities. His leadership for 21 years merges academic exploration with impactful community service, establishing significant benchmarks in the disability and rehabilitation sector.
Sunanda Rana, serving as a Lecturer in Clinical Psychology within the same department, plays a critical role in shaping the future psychologists and therapists dedicated to making a difference in the field of disability and rehabilitation. Her expertise and passion enhance the department's mission, creating an environment ripe with innovation and empathy. Together, Dr. Dhalwal and Ms. Rana share a deep passion for disability and rehabilitation, fueling their collaboration and propelling the department's agenda forward. Their joint efforts stretch beyond academia, significantly contributing to the mental well-being and rehabilitation of people with disabilities through comprehensive research and hands-on interventions.
Their contributions to the field are extensive and impactful, encompassing pioneering research, academic literature, and customized services to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. By focusing on mental well-being as integral to rehabilitation, they underscore the need for holistic approaches to support and empower individuals with disabilities. This emphasis has led to the development of various programs aimed at addressing immediate needs while fostering long-term resilience and independence for those with disabilities.
The influence of their work goes beyond the individuals they directly assist, benefiting families, communities, and the broader field of disability support and rehabilitation. Dr. Dhalwal and Ms. Rana exemplify dedication, innovation, and compassion, demonstrating the profound impact committed professionals can have on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Through their ongoing research, teaching, and service, they are contributing to a more inclusive and empowering society for everyone, regardless of physical challenges.
