At the tender age of six, Viraj faced developmental delays, hindering his physical growth, mobility, and communication. He has Cerebral Palsy, a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture.

Cerebral Palsy is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects a person’s ability to control his or her muscles. These symptoms are witnessed right from childhood but the symptoms vary from person to person. A person with severe Cerebral Palsy might require special equipment to walk or might need lifelong care.

Viraj’s story took a jump start when a dedicated Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) team, led by a compassionate trainer, stepped in to craft an Individual Rehabilitation Plan, aligning it with the unwavering support of Viraj’s family living in a Kamrup rural district of Assam.

The collective effort gave birth to a children’s support group, designed to address Viraj’s socialization needs. A caregivers’ group emerged, providing essential support during emergencies and offering respite care when Viraj needed it the most.

Through two years of meticulous preparation, Viraj not only found a place in a mainstream school but also discovered the joy of playing with his peers. His communication skills blossomed, accompanied by noticeable improvements in mobility – a testament to the transformative power of dedicated rehabilitation.

Viraj’s story mirrors that of countless children born with cerebral palsy, identified early, and guided through a comprehensive health and rehabilitation journey. Cerebral palsy, a group of disorders affecting movement and posture, presents varied challenges, ranging from severe mobility issues to associated conditions like intellectual disabilities, seizures, and sensory impairments.

The CBR program by Caritas India emerges as a shining example, reaching out to over 2187 individuals with cerebral palsy, encompassing both children and adults. The program, grounded in a twin-track approach, addresses specific needs through rehabilitation measures and tackles environmental barriers hindering participation and inclusion.

The relentless dedication of the field teams, comprising Community Educators, fosters strong bonds with individuals and families affected by cerebral palsy. Regular interactions, dialogues, and community involvement become the cornerstones of the rehabilitation process. Families receive training on supporting children with cerebral palsy, and plans are set in motion, including referrals to nearby health and rehabilitation services.

As the rehabilitation journey unfolds, a network of support emerges, with mothers’ groups providing respite care and children’s support groups fostering socialization. Village-level Self-Help Group (SHG) members and CBR field teams facilitate access to schemes and entitlements for the children and their families. For those ready to embark on the journey of schooling, assistance is provided for enrollment in local schools, ensuring access to inclusive education.

However, despite the tireless efforts, challenges persist. The project acknowledges that some issues lie beyond its scope, but with continued, consistent, dedicated, and sustained efforts, coupled with active family and community involvement, the hope remains alive. The story of Viraj and others like him illustrates that, in the face of adversity, empowerment and inclusion are not just aspirations but achievable realities for children and adults with cerebral palsy.