Date:30/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/30/stories/2008073057160200.htm

Karnataka - Mysore

A ray of hope for these children

Staff Correspondent

— PHOTO: M.A.SRIRAM

For much-need change: Children with cerebral palsy with their families at the Mysore zoo.

MYSORE: Besides special education, children with cerebral palsy should be exposed to surroundings which give them relaxed moments and bring them closer to the outside world.

Outing is also a much-needed change for the families of children with cerebral palsy. The children visiting normal schools and amusement parks, and unwinding in tourist spots have greatly helped those striving to overcome the challenges faced by children with cerebral palsy.

Sneha Kiran, a non-profit organisation for children with cerebral palsy, provides special services such as speech, occupational and physiotherapy as well as special education and vocational training to children.

The organisation has become a ray of hope for the families and children with cerebral palsy in and around Mysore.

Sneha Kiran was founded in 2002. It started functioning with six children. Now, it runs a school for 60 children aged between 4 and 16.

The organisation takes children with cerebral palsy to the Mysore zoo. Though the zoo is closed for visitors on Tuesdays, it is open to special children since it is difficult to organise visits to the zoo on other days because of the rush.

According to Sneha Kiran, cerebral palsy is a difficult condition to understand, treat and accept. “Every child has a unique talent, be it a normal or a special child. Often, these children are described as dumb, less intelligent and mentally retarded. Even though it is false, the facial features of the children blind the people to the fact that they too can think and may be more intelligent than normal people,” it says.

Mysore is the third largest city in the State having more number of children with cerebral palsy.