PWD federation leaders in Caraga gather to understand Cerebral Palsy
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – As the nation celebrates this year's 21st Cerebral
Palsy Awareness and Protection Week from September 16-22 by virtue of
Proclamation No. 858, the Caraganons also gained a better understanding of the
health condition of people with Cerebral Palsy.
In the recently conducted forum with disability federation
leaders, the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA) chaired by the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga gathered the
different disability federation leaders from the different provinces of the
region and provided data and relevant information on how to prevent this kind
of health disorder through the invited resource speakers.
The activity raised awareness about the said condition and
addressed the myths and stereotypes, as well as promoting early detection and
intervention for Cerebral Palsy.
On
behalf of Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga, Tristan Telen, assistant
regional director for administration of the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) Caraga, shared that Cerebral Palsy is a neurological
condition caused by brain damage and it is the most common motor and movement
disability of childhood. It causes a range of disabilities, from mild to
severe.
"This forum with disability federation leaders in Butuan City
is not just a celebration but a movement to break down barriers in
understanding cerebral palsy and eliminating misconception about this health
condition," he said.
"May you continue to educate and raise awareness in your
respective community and be more compassionate in assisting and taking care of
those who have cerebral palsy. Let us open our minds and hearts and remove the
stigmas of those who have cerebral palsy, and recognize them for their unique
strengths and contributions," added Telen.
One
of the resource persons, Sheikah Lansang, registered occupational therapist in
the Philippines, and certified developmental play practitioner of STEPS Butuan
Learning and Development Center, discussed the basic information about cerebral
palsy, and reiterated that cerebral palsy is a group of movement disorders that
appear in early childhood.
“Signs and symptoms vary among people and over time, but include
poor coordination, stiff muscles, weak muscles, and tremors. There may be problems
with sensation, vision, hearing, and speech," she added.
Lansang added that unborn babies should be well-monitored during pregnancy to ensure their full development, and for infants prevented from accidents as this will affect their brain development and well-being.
Meanwhile, as one of the participants, Charina Mercado, expressed
that there is really a need to better understand how to manage and treat people
with cerebral palsy.
“We should never discriminate against people with cerebral palsy. They deserve love, care and acceptance. We should continue to educate people to fight the stigma on people living with this health disorder,” she said. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
