Children with special needs such as those living with Cerebral Palsy are not much talked about. In my community, it feels more like a taboo as these ones are tagged as “water babies”. It can be very difficult for mothers taking care of these young ones since they need support for basically everything they do, including playtime. October 6 is Cerebral Palsy Day, a day set aside for awareness creation and a worldwide movement to support friends and families with cerebral palsy children.

About

This usually occurs in the fetus or during birth and is a group of neurological disorders, not just one condition usually diagnosed in children. Some of the ways to identify a child with this condition includes, weak arms or legs, fidgety or clumsy movements, uncontrolled movements, delay in reaching milestones, and other symptoms. It is caused by damage or abnormal development in parts of the brain that controls movement.

Camps

In finding support and solutions for children living with the condition, a charge for the development of hubs and centres for these children has been the call to action. For example, in Kenya, there is a health hub that support children with screening, support groups and community engagement to help to contribute to making these lives better. Medical camps which help with dental care, speech therapies, and assistive mobility devices, and information and support to parents, will go a long way to provide reliefs.

Fund

Development funds for the treatment and after care of children living with cerebral palsy can be set aside by organisations for the corporate social responsibility projects. The challenge with these funds is that they are often embezzled but they can go a long way to help families with these disabilities. This fund usually will cover the medical bills and necessary expenses for children who qualify. This will support families as the care for the affected child over a lifetime.

Awards

Finally, awards can be given to individuals, families, and organisations at the heart of championing a good cause in cerebral palsy awareness and reliefs. The lifelong financial assistance and support that go into caring for people living with cerebral palsy is huge and so people who donate time and effort to raising them must be supported and recognised.