Effects of cerebral palsyOverall effects of cerebral palsy on society is not quantified in developing countries so I will try to give information at household level. Our daughter with cerebral palsy is now 22 years old and she is confined to the use of the wheelchair. Her movements are limited and most of the time she is confined in the house. For her to go out, usually it means she is going to school and on Sundays to church. This has some effects on her life because she is not able to do what other girls of age are able to do. The effects of cerebral palsy on our daughter are many. For instance she would want to visit some of our relatives or friends in her own time but this is not possible because she has to fit into our programme. She may want to go shopping but this again is not possible because she is restricted in her movements. Due to the confinement, our daughter’s knowledge and understanding of certain societal issues such as politics, economics and other environmental issues is limited. However, we supplement these inadequacies by making her read the newspapers, watch television on topical issues and narrating some stories to her. As a family we are deprived of our daughter’s participation in daily chores in the home. However, we are all supportive to her and assist her as much as possible. We also want her to live an independent life so we allow her to do some of the daily activities. This include, bathing on her own and making the bed and many other small things. We set certain “small”goals for her to achieve and once she makes it, we are able to cerebrate as a family. For instance she would stand on her own without assistance for 5 minutes. Then this could be increased to ten minutes and so own.Family members take turns to help her with some exercises and physical training. The exercises and training are usually done in the evenings during work days and in the morning on Saturdays
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