KARACHI, Feb 17: One can never realise what sound health truly means until one comes across those a lot less fortunate, struggling against all odds. Confronted with many physical and mental problems, children afflicted with Cerebral Palsy (CP) experience one of the cruelest disabilities mankind faces. They require a proper rehabilitation programme that can open a window to life for them.

The Al-Umeed Rehabilitation Association (Aura), an NGO working since 1989 to improve life of such children, organised an open-house on Friday at its centre in Gulistan-i-Jauhar. The aim was to create awareness about CP and provide an opportunity to parents, philanthropists, the press and the public to come and see how these special children’s life is transformed.

“Treat these children with respect and compassion. Just because they look different don’t deprive them of the right to live. Parents shouldn’t feel ashamed to take these children out. We all can improve their life by helping them stand on their feet,” says Dr Ruby Anwar Abbasi, General Secretary of Aura.

Explaining the neurological disorder, she said CP was a non-progressive and non-contagious condition that could cause physical disability in human development, specifically in movement and posture. It was usually caused by oxygen deprivation to the brain, before, during or shortly after birth. The child’s coordination was affected which could be mild to severe, making it difficult to practice skills of daily life. The intelligence was not necessarily affected.

Aura offers services of physical therapy based on Bobath approach, occupational therapy, speech training, special education, computer skill, vocational training, hydrotherapy and sanoezelen – a multi-sensory stimulation programme. Recently, Motor Activity Training Programme has also been added. Through this programme, children with severe physical and mental disabilities will be trained for Special Olympics.