The Indian charity ‘The Association of People with Disabilities’ claims 17 million people with disabilities in India do not receive support such as mobility aids. SCAD is working with VOTOL to help support young people with physical and mental disabilities. So far in the last six months we have been very busy with this mission and managed to organise

•  5 Orthopaedic and assessment camps attended by a total of 310children with physical and/or learning difficulties.
•  a total of 490 children with physical and/or learning difficulties received treatment.
• 56 parents received training and support in caring for their children with learning and physical difficulties
• 114 Government ID cards were successfully applied for in order that the children concerned will be eligible for state benefits for their condition
• 58 “at risk” pregnant mothers received training aimed at reducing the risk of birth defects and 15 of these mothers had follow up training once their babies were born
• 10 older young people received Income Generating Programme loans and support to start their own business.
• 5 older young people received vocational training in either tailoring, bicycle repair or petty shop work
• 55 school teachers received training on how to best support and inspire differently abled children in their classes and to encourage inclusive education
• CBR Training was given to 98 members of the Women’s Self Help Groups
• 3 Special Self Help Groups have been formed
•  12 children have been provided with aids and appliances

Case study 

Chinnakarppagam, pictured above, is 18 years old and she is from Vilathikulam. She has Cerbral Palsy and mental disabilities. Because of serious difficulties with coordination she never learnt to walk properly and has always crawled.

ChinnaKarppagam has been receiving CBR treatment and support from SCAD since 2009. SCAD arranged a Government ID card and monthly Stipend for her. She has been given progressive daily exercises to strengthen her legs and improve coordination and balance.

Field workers encouraged Chinnakarppagam to walk every day with the help of a support in the home and motivated her to help her mother with cleaning and general housework.

She has now learnt to support her mother in the home and is no longer considered a burden. After regular strengthening exercises and regular treatment she has been able to walk inside and outside since December 2011. Her mother is extremely happy.

To help us to help another child like Chinnakarppagam please donate