Cerebral
palsy is a disorder in which the brain is not able to control the
motor functionality of the body. Due to this the patient cannot co-ordinate
his body movements. The symptoms of cerebral palsy can be detected
at birth or in early childhood
Slow
motor response, abnormal perception, difficulty in breathing, feeding,
bladder and bowel control are commonly seen symptoms. Often it is
seen that this disorder leads to problems in speech, sight and hearing.
With all such major problems it is practically impossible for such
children to get basic education like the other children.
For children suffering from cerebral palsy, specially trained teachers
are there. In the beginning, they mainly target at the physical therapy
that aims to improve the muscle movement. The therapists and teachers
treat these special children with utmost care and patience. Sometimes
if the disorder is very minor, then the doctors might advise the parents
to send the child in mainstream school. This way the recovery is quicker.
But if the case is severe then the child is sent to schools for disabled
students.
The Congress party in India passed a law in favour of children suffering
from disabilities. This law states that in order to get federal funding
the state governments must formulate and implement laws for the free
appropriate public education (FAPE) all such students. Thus these
children are taught by therapists and special teachers who teach them
sign language, improve their speech, walk, gate, balance, feeding,
and teachers them exercises that improve the muscle co-ordination.
Simple activities like brushing teeth, movement of arms, cutting with
scissors, writing or drawing are taught to make these children self
dependent.
Depending upon the severity of cerebral palsy the treatment to every
individual should vary. Since the problem of this disorder doesn’t
worsen with time therefore the severity of disorder should be determined
at childhood and the child should be treated accordingly. The regular
teachers should specially take care of the class room environment.
Since the children suffering from cerebral palsy can’t walk properly
and they require a wheelchair or a supporting aid, therefore there
should not b any obstruction that hinders their movement. Any hazardous
item should be kept far from their reach. If a child has problem in
communication then he should be allowed to use some technological
equipment. Evaluation technique for all the students suffering from
cerebral palsy should be different depending upon their part of body
affected due to disorder.
Most importantly, the children suffering from cerebral palsy require
love, support and inspiration. For this the teachers should be patient
and kind. They should encourage the students to take part in events
and games with the mainstream kids. Teachers should make them challenge
their mind in one way or the other so that they become mentally more
active and independent as early as possible.
The role
of parents is equally important. They should keep in regular touch
with the teacher about the improvement of their child. It is only
by the combined effort of teachers and parents that a child suffering
from cerebral palsy can thrive in this competitive world in spite
of their disabilities.
