Living with multiple disabilities often involves navigating a complex intersection of challenges. Whether it be physical, sensory, cognitive, developmental or a combination of these, individuals with multiple disabilities confront unique obstacles in their daily lives. Understanding the diverse nature of these conditions is crucial in fostering empathy and support. However, timely need-based, comprehensive interventions would help the person’s all-round development resulting in improved functional abilities.

In today’s technologically advanced era, assistive technology plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals with multiple disabilities. Caritas India Community Based Rehabilitation (CI CBR) program has been a guiding light, tirelessly working to support persons with disability with cutting-edge assistive devices. These technologies enhance mobility, communication, and overall accessibility, providing individuals with the tools they need to navigate the world with greater ease.

Consider the story of eleven-year-old Radhika (name changed) a resident of Chengalpattu district in Tamilnadu, suffering from Cerebral Palsy and intellectual disability. These dual impairments had a tremendous impact on her functional abilities in the areas of daily living skills, communication, mobility, and restrictions in learning. She was dependent on her mother or family members to take care of her personal needs.

CI CBR team identified her through its CBR program five years ago when she was six years old. She belongs to a poor family and Radhika’s sister too was born with a similar condition as Radhika. This double burden of taking care of both children with high support needs added additional burden creating a frustrating environment at home.

The CBR team facilitated Radhika in getting the disability certificate and the Unique Disability ID (UDID). She started receiving a disability pension of Rs.2,000 per month. She received a wheelchair which helped her mobility and social interaction without any support. The village panchayat has constructed a toilet, and they are in the process of getting the house under the PMAY scheme.

The therapeutical needs of these children were discussed with her parents and referred to the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) situated near Chennai for further assessments resulting in regular therapy through its special education Unit. The challenge of travel cost and mobility in public transportation was resolved due to the CI CBR agreement with Varshini Illam Trust, a mobile therapy unit that made the treatment possible at her doorstep. The Vithani team visits twice a week to give therapeutic support to these children.

The children support group members play with Radhika and her sister during evening times and holidays. The neighborhood mothers’ support group members assist Radhika when the parents are not at home and advocate for the needs and rights of the family.

With these interventions, positive changes were seen in Radhika and her sister to do simple activities of daily living, functional mobility, and basic communication. They are more confident and feel comfortable. They like to play with other children in the community. The community recognizes and appreciates the changes in these children. They recognize the efforts made by the CBR team for linking them to the needy services and for helping the family with social security measures.

“We thought that Radhika will never be able to sit and walk and she would be bedridden for life. After the CBR programme started, she witnessed tremendous changes in her physical and emotional development. We are thankful for the CI CBR team for the valuable services rendered by them to our daughters and our family,” says Radhika’s mother.

CI CBR through its CBR and OPD initiatives reaches out to about 1781 persons with multiple disabilities. Persons with severe and multiple disabilities are one of the priority groups of people with disabilities covered under its program interventions.

The National Trust Act 1999 has included multiple disabilities as one of the four disabilities that fall under people with high support needs. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 too has included multiple disabilities as one of the 21 impairments covered under it enabling provisions of the RPD Act apply to this group of people who rightfully rely on external support for their survival, in general.

Radhika’s journey, empowered by CI CBR exemplifies the transformative impact of targeted support. Through the organization’s initiatives, such as support and mentorship programs, individuals like Radhika have not only overcome challenges but have become catalysts for change, challenging stereotypes and showcasing the vast potential within the diverse disabled community.

As we reflect on the journeys of those living with multiple disabilities, it becomes evident that fostering an inclusive society is not just a moral imperative but a pathway to unlocking untapped potential. CI CBR exemplifies the commitment needed to create a world where individuals with multiple disabilities are not defined by their challenges but recognized for their unique abilities and contributions.