Linking Arms

Through the project mothers of children with disabilities participate in different learning sessions where they learn to look after their child with disability and advocate for their rights. Mothers receive information on laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities as well as other social benefits they can use. While bringing their children to rehabilitation services mothers also have time to interact with each other, share their life experience in raising a child with disability and sometimes receive legal support from a lawyer. Mothers improve their knowledge on different health and social topics. Since coming to parents’ group many mothers have changed their attitude towards disability, as before they improved their self-esteem and self-confidence.

Story

Amina and her 5-year-old son Daler with Down Syndrome have been coming for rehabilitation services to the CBR center at the remote village almost for three years.

At the beginning, when Amina found out that a center for children with disabilities had opened nearby, she talked with the family and wanted to have a permission to bring her child to the center to receive rehabilitation services.

The family did not support Amina and said that they had already spent a lot of money visiting doctors’ services and paying for the medical treatment and the child did not have much improvement.

Amina was strong in her will because she was hearing encouraging stories from mothers whom she met at the health clinic once in a while. She kept talking with her husband and parents-in-law and explaining that receiving the rehabilitation exercises would not cost money for them to spend and that it could help Daler. Finally, they agreed.

After three months receiving rehabilitation services Amina and her family saw the improvement in Daler’s physical health and behavior. They told Amina to look after her son better without missing any visits in the CBR center.

Daler has improved his cognitive and social skills. He interacts well with other children in his group and became a leader among his peers. Her family are so encouraged to watch Daler to grow. 

Amina is an active participant in parents’ group. She gives her support and encouragement to new mothers by telling them her life story.

She says: “You are now the one who stand for your children’s rights and you should not be afraid to do that. Do not keep emotions and feelings inside yourself. Continue promote your children’s rights and your children will benefit from it when they grow up!”