Children with cerebral palsy hold a placard at Sishu Sarothi in Guwahati. Picture by Biju Boro

Oct 6: With banners in their hands, disabled children made a statement on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja which concluded last evening.

In an awareness rally, over 50 children with multiple disability, led by 150 members of the Parents Association of Sishu Sarothi (PASS), traversed the length and breadth of the city and various Puja pandals in two buses and 23 cars.

“We were trying to generate awareness about the right to equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation of persons with disability. We visited many Puja pandals where crowd concentration was the maximum and tried to explain about the rights of the disabled to the people present,” said Sribas Dhar, general secretary, PASS.

PASS, a city-based organisation of parents having children with cerebral palsy, was formed by parents whose children are being trained and educated at Sishu Sarothi, a centre for rehabilitation and training of multiple disabilities.

The association, formed in 1995, aims at furthering the cause of the parents of children with cerebral palsy and to provide opportunities and facilities for employment, training, education, rehabilitation and general welfare of children.

“We felt the need for parents of children with cerebral palsy and its associated disabilities to come together and promote fellow-feeling and co-operation among the parents,” said Dhar.

Many specialised staff/caregivers, trained teachers, therapists, medical experts and trained social workers took part in the rally.

The rally started from Sishu Sarothi school and went upto Beltola Lakhi Mandir Durga Puja pandal. It returned via Zoo Road, Panbazar and Rehabari.

“The children were accorded a warm welcome at the Puja pandals. Lunch was later served to the participants,” said Dhar.

PASS is also a member of Parivaar, the National Federation of Parents’ Associations for Persons with Mental Retardation, Autism, Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Disabilities and their families spread out across India.

“Persons suffering from these disabilities require caregivers throughout their lives. They are permanently dependent and can never become independent in their lifetime,” said Dhar. Moreover, children with profound disabilities like spastics need round-the-clock assistance for their development.

PASS also runs a respite care home-cum-care centre at Birubari in the city to provide relief to the parents and also to improve the condition of the children.

The centre has the facility to offer respite to 20 beneficiaries at any point of time and is equipped with all sorts of learning aids, recreational aids, medicinal and therapeutical aids and appliances. It also offers long-term stay facilities.

“It is a fact that all parents expect to manage their disabled child at home with necessary care, affection and love. But the need for a specialised care home arises when the child starts growing older and in many cases, the parents are unable to look after them,” said Dhar.

“It is also a constant source of worry for parents as to what will happen to their child after they are no more. Therefore, a home, which will take care of their well-being and provide facilities for their long-term care and shelter, is a must.”