Photo: Keren with support worker Lydia receiving sign language training at her home in Uganda
Children with disabilities in Uganda face many challenges. The first time I met Keren's parents; they were so desperate. They looked demoralised because they didn't know what to do. With the support from Sense International I鈥檝e trained Keren and her parents in many areas, like sign language. Keren can now communicate sign to her parents, teachers and siblings. I have also supported them with mobility skills. We have provided Keren with a walker and wheelchair. We are now helping her to walk.鈥�
Sense International's Appeal raised 拢19,319.81 plus an additional amount of direct funding too as a result of the awareness raised of our work. The funds are supporting our vital early intervention work providing vital health care and therapeutic work for children first diagnosed with deafblindness (both sight and hearing loss). This includes screening for sensory loss, designated support workers to help with mobility and physical disabilities that might also be prevalent, as well as communication skills and sensory stimulation for both child and families to continue within the home.
This support starts in the home and then can continue, when a child is ready, within local centres or even mainstream school. Our work takes us across eight different countries - Asia, East Africa, Latin America, Romania. Each country has similar models of interventions. Funds have directly paid for sensory toys and support workers salary, time and expertise.
People with disabilities face many barriers to inclusion. They experience stigma or discrimination because disability is not understood in their community. Children are often removed and isolated from society and don鈥檛 receive quality education because their local school doesn鈥檛 know how to support them. Some parents struggle for years seeking a diagnosis for their child, because public health systems lack the right equipment or training, which can take a significant toll.
Our early intervention work is a lifeline for many families. Our work aims to showcase governments and health ministries within those countries what needs to be provided.
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Sense International TV presenter Amar Latif makes the Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of Sense International.