How MBCN Observed World Cerebral Palsy Day?
World Cerebral Palsy Day celebrated on October 7th is not just a day but a movement started by people suffering from cerebral palsy, their families and organisations. Over 50 nations in the world observe this day to acknowledge and support those suffering from this neural disease. These people have a vision to ensure that those affected from cerebral palsy hold similar rights and opportunities as compared to other human beings. The occasion gave the world an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the affected every first Wednesday of October. Since they are extraordinarily gifted, it is important for the world to acknowledge these wonderful souls on Cerebral Palsy Day.
Knowing Cerebral Palsy
This initiative was taken up thinking about the 17 million people who are grappling from cerebral palsy around the globe. And, there are 350 million more that are directly connected to either a child or an adult living with cerebral palsy. Globally, the numbers affected by the disease are huge, and to address their concerns and empower them with rights is essential.
While analysing Cerebral Palsy and its implications, the physical disability generally occurs in childhood that can affect movement on a permanent basis. The extent of its impact ranges from experiencing slight weakness in single hand to hindering the voluntary movement completely.
If statistics are to be believed, 1 out of 4 differently-abled children faces difficulty in talking. 1 out of 3 suffers from spastic cerebral palsy making it difficult for them to walk. 1 out of 2 patients face intellectual disability and 1 out of 4 has epilepsy. Since, the disease is a life-long disability with no cure yet known, the idea is to help them make the best use of their limbs.
The Way MBCN Sees It
Working with the same motto, our school for cerebral palsy in India, Mata Bhagwanti Chadha Niketan (MBCN) recently observed the World Cerebral Palsy Day that witnessed participation from all its special students accompanied by their parents and teachers. The event was one-of-its-kind effort by the Ponty Chadha Foundation (PCF), the philanthropic arm of the WAVE Group. It attempted to bring all the participants together on one platform to share their experiences while taking part in fun activities. Here, children enjoyed playing games with their parents like touching and identifying objects.
Participants Take Over
The aim behind celebrating cerebral palsy was to create awareness regarding the disease. The occasion saw both children and their parents sharing their experiences of coming out in light and interacting with the public. They talked about their concerns arising out of stares and comments from people on a child’s condition. The emphasis was on how the society’s reaction affects both the guardians and their wards. Also, they highlighted the need of doing something more when mere advices from people do not help a child or a parent in dealing with what is incurable.
Thus, our school for children with cerebral palsy concluded the programme with a message that a behavioural change through communication is needed to tackle with the age-old mindset and break the myths regarding the social stigma attached with the ailment. Then only a WaveOfChange would be created to sweep off the societal problems which still hog a child coming out with cerebral palsy.