By Duma Dibiana
Today, October 6, is World Cerebral Palsy Day or World CP for short.
World CP Day is marked across the globe this day to remind us that there are over 17 million people worldwide impacted by this disorder. Another 350 million people are closely connected to a child or adult with CP. And for us to help create awareness and action around CP and to ensure that children and adults living with CP have the same rights, access and opportunities as everyone else in our society.
The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘MILLIONS OF REASONS!’
WHAT IS CEREBRAL PALSY?
Cerebral Palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood. It is a neurological disorder that affects movement, posture, muscle tone etc due to brain damage before, during or after birth. Cerebral Palsy affects individuals differently and its impact vary from one person to another. it can range from a weakness in one hand to almost a complete lack of voluntary movement. One in four cannot walk. One in four cannot talk. One in four suffer from epilepsy. The majority of people living with CP have no intellectual disability. For those that do, it could be mild or severe. There is no known cure for CP yet but it could be well managed by therapies like physiotherapy, Occupational therapy and Speech therapy. An effective educational plan (preferably individualized) will go a long way in assisting children with CP.
Cerebral Palsy is not contagious! So, don’t be afraid to play and assist people with CP. Show them love and kindness. They deserve our warmth and friendship. LET’S ARISE AND GIVE THEM MILLIONS OF REASONS TO SPREAD THEIR WINGS!
People living with CP are smart and intelligent. They are unique and teachable. They are like butterflies with broken wings. They are just as beautiful as others, they only need your support to spread their wings!
They shouldn’t be judged by their physical disability. They need empathy, not sympathy! Their abilities outweigh the disability. Be patient with them and understand their condition bearing in mind that they are born unique. Always remember that the disorder makes it difficult for some of them to learn as fast as other children not that they are not willing to learn.
They have feelings as we all do and aspire to be great in life just as everyone else. In dealing with them, always apply emotional intelligence. Treat them with respect and dignity. Respect their contributions to class activities and discussions no matter how irrelevant you think it is. When they feel respected, loved, wanted and valued, they strive to meet expectations and thrive.
With our collective efforts, they can and will have MILLIONS OF REASONS to break bounds!#6thOctober #WorldCPDay#MillionsOfReasons#Neurodiversity
Duma Dibiana, writes from Abuja