Mumbai: Large number of students, a couple of few gusty people who beat cerebral palsy to become successful in life and a cancer-survivor-turned artist will join around 70 cerebral palsy-hit children to innovate ideas and solutions to make Mumbai more disable-friendly at Nanavati Super Specialty Hospital here on October 4.

In connection with the CP day and as part of the campaign, the Indian Academy of Cerebral Palsy (IACP) is organizing this flagship event –Connect the Knots – with a view to create awareness about the disorder through the medium of art.

Around 600 higher secondary students drawn from different parts of the city will join the cerebral palsy-afflicted children to make large canvass paintings on the theme of `accessibility’ in different places like trains, buses, rickshaws, and private vehicles. Haresh Mehta, an accomplished artist-businessman and a cancer-survivor will design the ramp with cardboards for the disabled children at the venue.

“The students will ideate and paint new ways to make our City more disable-friendly. Not only that, the event will also display solutions in real as Haresh will design the ramp,” said Dr. Rujuta Mehta, Consultant Pediatric Orthopedic, Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai.

The main focus of this year’s CP Day (October 3) is creating public awareness about Barriers to Accessibility for cerebral palsy individuals and their inclusion in mainstream. The IACP is organizing event at five places in the City on October 3 and 4.

Asserting the need for a well-coordinated diagnosis program for cerebral palsy, Dr. Rujuta Mehta stated, “Cerebral palsy in its early stages can be detected by documenting a delay in the development of motor and social milestones along with a regular check of the persistence of primitive and pathological reflexes. The treatment strategy should be focused on maximizing function and minimizing the occurrence of joint contracture and other secondary problems. A clear definition of objectives and consideration of the impact of growth and development on the abilities of a patient forms the foundation of an accurate treatment plan,” she said.

“Infrastructural systems in the country need to be amended in a suitable manner for catering to the varied needs of those afflicted by cerebral palsy. Bad and potholed roads prevent the use of wheelchair on roads owing to which either myself or a helper have to physically carry Parshva whenever we travel.” concurred Nikunj Mehta, father of 10-year-old Parshva Mehta who has been afflicted with cerebral palsy.

Recounting the difficulties faced by Parshva on a daily basis and underscoring the need for designing changes in the Indian transport system for the cerebral palsy affected, he stated, “Indian cars do not have the facility to keep a wheelchair or special strollers designed for those affected by cerebral palsy. There is no special seat for children affected with cerebral palsy in cars or means of public transport like buses and trains.”

 

Source : Lokesh Shastri