Rehabilitation engineering should be used more effectively to create barrier-free environment for those with cerebral palsy, say experts in the field of special education in the city.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition marked by impaired muscle co-ordination and other disabilities typically caused by damage to the brain before or at birth.
“Our campus is a model for barrier-free architecture, but once our students leave the premises, they are back in an environment full of obstacles,” C. Shanthakumar, director, The Spastics Society of Tiruchirapalli, told The Hindu. The Society, founded in 1982, is the only institution in the city specialising in the education and rehabilitation of CP children.
The World Cerebral Palsy Day, marked on the first Wednesday of October, was instituted in 2012 by Cerebral Palsy Alliance (Australia) and United Cerebral Palsy (USA), and is supported by over 270 rehabilitation organisations in 46 countries.
This year, the innovation project had challenged architects and designers to create a ‘Sponge House’ – a bump-free home suitable to the needs of those afflicted by CP – for a cash prize of US$ 10,000.
“Small changes such as modifying the toilets or adding a ramp can make a big difference to life of the CP-affected person,” said Mr. Shanthakumar. The society will be aiding 400 families in Tiruchi over the coming year to create a more CP user-friendly home.
The concept should be carried forward into arenas like government offices, educational institutions and public transport, said Hemalatha David, paediatrician and counsellor at the Society.
“We could start with a hassle-free environment in government offices where special needs children are required to be present along with their parents for their permits and so on. These offices should preferably be on the ground floor, or there should be a ramp for easy access,” said Dr. Hemalatha.
Accessibility problems in homes have become compounded as apartment-living has become more common. “Most flats have stairs, and they may have a lift as an option. At present it may not be feasible (to have completely barrier-free buildings), but if the idea is sowed now, may be more real estate promoters will come up with accessibility solutions,” said Dr. Hemalatha. Mainstream schools that admit special needs children should add accessibility features on campus, said Dr. Hemalatha. “For those living in rented accommodation, temporary but stable features like wooden floor fittings and detachable toilet modifications could also be considered,” she added.
B. Balanchander, physiotherapist and part of the team that modifies mobility aids to suit CP children at the Spastics Society, said “Property developers should think of housing units that cater to the specific needs of this section of society in and around Tiruchi.”
Transport should definitely improve in order to help developmentally-challenged children learn how to socialise and become self-reliant, said Praveena Carmel, principal, Dolphin Special School and Centre.
“Ideally, autorickshaws should have a lower wheel base and be equipped with seat-belts and cushioned leg supports for CP children,” said Ms. Praveena. “If at least one in four buses could be adapted for special needs passengers, we could patronise them regularly.”
