REHABILITATION OF 300 CEREBRAL PALSY CHILDREN

This quarter, a major focus was placed on the introduction and integration of structured play sessions as a core component of the rehabilitation program.

Objectives of the play session module:

Provide mothers with practical strategies to engage their children in therapeutic play.

Understand and explain to the other caregivers how play awakens the brain

Help the child with cerebral palsy to enjoy types of play that promote her communication, movements, social and emotional skills, and learning.

Explore ways other children can be encouraged to include children with disabilities in play.

Importances of play for children

Play awakens the brain, it gives the child an opportunity to explore and learn about things in her environment.

It gives the child an opportunity to use and develop senses.

When she is having fun she will be motivated to move.

Play gives the child opportunities to interact with other people and to learn how to communicate.

Play is fun and fun is what motivates children to move and learn.

Implementation and Structure:

Weekly play sessions involved activities tailored to each child's abilities and needs.

Sessions included interactive games, sensory activities, and physical exercises designed to promote motor and communication skills.

Benefits Reported by Mothers:

Increased Engagement: Mothers observed higher levels of engagement and enthusiasm from their children during play activities.

Practical Skills: Mothers gained new techniques to integrate play into daily routines, making therapy a fun and consistent part of life.

Emotional Support: The play sessions also served as a support network, where mothers could share experiences and strategies, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

Feedback and Outcomes:

90% of participating mothers reported that the play sessions positively impacted their child’s development.

Mothers felt more equipped to handle their child’s needs and noticed improvements in their child’s social interactions and physical capabilities.

 Creating Toys from Available Materials

Mothers were empowered to create cost-effective, homemade toys to aid in their child’s development.

Materials and Methods:

Materials: Use of everyday items such as cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, papers, banana fibers, and old clothes.

Step-by-Step Guides: Provided detailed instructions on making sensory boards, textured balls, and interactive books.

Impact:

Cost Savings: Reduced the financial burden on families by using readily available materials.

Customization: Allowed to customize toys to suit each child’s needs and preferences.

Engagement: Increased engagement from children who responded well to these personalized toys.

Conclusion

This quarter saw significant progress in the rehabilitation program for children with CP. The lead mother initiative proved successful, fostering peer support and empowering caregivers. Children demonstrated improvements in development and inclusion within their communities. Introducing play sessions and homemade toys has further empowered mothers, providing them with practical tools and a supportive community.

Building upon the successful training of lead mothers in the last quarter, this report details the progress and achievements of the rehabilitation program for children with cerebral palsy in this quarter

1. Lead Mother Facilitation:

• Established Support Groups: 5 new support groups were established, reaching 40 additional caregivers.
• Frequency and Attendance: Groups met weekly, with an average attendance of 8 caregivers per meeting.
• Topics Covered and Feedback: Lead mothers facilitated sessions on positioning, communication strategies, and accessing community resources. Caregivers reported increased knowledge and confidence in caring for their children (85% satisfaction rate).

2. Child Interventions:

• Active Participants: 70 children continued to actively participate in the program.
• Progress in Development:

-          Motor Skills: 70% of children showed improvement in gross motor skills, as measured by standardized assessments.

-          Communication: 60% of children demonstrated progress in communication skills, such as using gestures and vocalizations.

-          Other Areas: All children showed improvements in social interaction and participation in daily activities.

• Adherence and Adaptations: 85% of children adhered to intervention plans. Minor adaptations were made based on individual needs and progress.
• Challenges and Solutions: Some children faced challenges with accessing specialized equipment. The program partnered with local organizations to provide essential equipment loans.

3. Community Engagement:

• Awareness Campaigns and Outreach: Conducted educational workshops for 100 community members, reaching parents, teachers, and healthcare workers.
• Community Collaborations: Partnered with local schools to promote inclusion and provide accessibility modifications.
• Impact on Awareness and Inclusion: Increased community understanding and acceptance of children with CP, as evidenced by positive media coverage and invitations to community events.

4. Results and Impact:

• Quantitative Data:
• Caregiver knowledge scores increased by an average of 20 points after participating in support groups.
• 90% of caregivers reported feeling more confident in caring for their children.
• Child development assessments showed an overall improvement of 15% in motor and communication skills.
• Qualitative Examples:
• Sarah, a mother of a child with CP, stated, "The support group has given me hope and practical tools to help my child thrive."

5. Sustainability and Future Plans:

• Funding Strategies: Exploring grant opportunities and partnerships with corporate sponsors to secure long-term funding.
• Expansion Plans: Aiming to train 10 additional lead mothers and reach 50 more children in the next year.
• Research and Knowledge Sharing: Collaborating with universities to conduct research on the program's effectiveness and share best practices with other organizations.

6. Conclusion:

This quarter saw significant progress in the rehabilitation program for children with CP. The lead mother initiative proved successful, fostering peer support and empowering caregivers. Children demonstrated improvements in development and inclusion within their communities. We are confident that by building upon these achievements, the program will continue to have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of children with CP and their families.