1. “Disability becomes Mobility”
Little L first came to Thusanani for an adoption assessment at the end of 2006. She was nearly 2 years old and had been at TLC, a children’s home in the South of Johannesburg, since birth. L was diagnosed with spastic Cerebral Palsy, a condition that affects the way a child moves, and was therefore not able to stand or walk by herself. L could not stand properly on her feet and would stand up on her toes. She had not developed any balance and would often fall over backwards. Use of the walking ring was therefore banned and all caregivers were asked to encourage L to stand with flat feet. L’s balance was also improving and her muscles got stronger through the exercise and activities she was doing in therapy. In March this year, a Thusanani Therapist, was able to start practicing walking with Little L. With time, she was able to stand up and take a few steps bearing her own weight. It was definitely time to get Little L walking by herself but it was also clear that it would still take too long to develop sufficient balance to walk independently. With a rollator however (a special kind of walking frame), L would be able to move around by herself. This would be so important for self-confidence and self-exploration. A rollator was sourced and a volunteer at the home kindly offered to purchase it. And so the exciting afternoon came when L was introduced to her new rollator. Almost the entire staff of the home came to watch the session and everyone was so excited. Once L learned what the rollator was for, her little face lit up with delight and she was off! L is now able to walk outside with her peers. She is able to decide for herself where she wants to play and to exercise more control and independence. It was a very special moment for little L as well as all the staff at the home and Thusanani. We all wait for the next big goal: helping L to walk!
2. “Against all odds”
The “B” twins were referred to Thusanani’s adoption clinic in November 2006. The twins had been born to an HIV positive mother who died at childbirth. Unfortunately the twins grandmother, being unemployed, was unable to support and care for them adequately and they were therefore placed at a Private Place of Safety awaiting adoption. The twins’ future chance of becoming adopted at this stage was unlikely as one twin contracted HIV during the birth process. It would take a very special family to adopt twins, as splitting them is not a considered option as well as knowing that one has compromised health.
On initial assessment, being approximately 20 months old, the boys appeared globally delayed. Their gross motor skills, fine motor skills and early perceptual ability was below the norm for their age. This appeared to be as a result of lack of stimulation and health difficulties. Twin “T” was unable to walk independently as his balance, endurance and overall muscle strength was insufficient. This made him afraid to attempt age appropriate tasks as he struggled to climb up and seat himself on a small chair and walk up stairs with support etc. Therapy focussed on improving both of the twins overall strength, exploration and perceptual ability and to promote more normal development, reaching their age appropriate milestones.
The twins received Occupational Therapy at the Thusanani Children’s Foundation Adoption Clinic. They attended this clinic every two weeks for approximately 4 months. They have recently celebrated their second birthday and have been adopted by a Norwegian family. The boys have made considerable progress and are now functioning age appropriately. Therapeutic intervention, a well executed home program of exercises as well as love and care from the Place of safety has assisted these boys to go from strength to strength. We wish the twins and their new family all happiness in the world.
3. “Hungry Caterpillars”
11 children aged 2 ½ - 5 from a Children’s Home in Yeoville have been encouraged by Thusanani to attend the Toy Library at TMI once a week for 2 hours. One of the Thusanani therapists accompanies them to provide individual input and to identify any problem areas. Their first visit at the beginning of the year revealed just how institutionalised the children had become. Despite being surrounded by toys (most children’s dream come true) they remained very reserved, looking daunted and afraid. At that stage their vocabulary was limited to one or two simple words so communication involved gestures and grabbing what you wanted.
With assistance from the toy library staff and some of our volunteers we were able to show them how to play with the toys. The expression on one child’s face when she realised that she could ‘bath’ a doll and brush her hair – her clothes could be taken off and put back on will never be forgotten! They slowly explored the room but stayed very close to one another. Most of the first and second session was spent with all of them in the ball pond. They loved the feeling of the balls and enjoyed throwing them out. Sharing toys was not something they would do!
Today, the contrast is quite remarkable! Those same children (one has returned to his mother) can be heard as they arrive. They run into the toy library with big smiles and each with his/her own personality shining through. They know which toys they like and quickly find them. They are encouraged to draw, paint and look at books and enjoy the recently introduced story and singing time. They have improved in all areas of their development but most obvious is their ability to relate to others in a more socially acceptable way. What a surprise when Gerti gave her toy to Busi and when Thulani who suffered a stroke (a consequence of HIV) and lost his speech, said ‘Aunty, Aunty, iMoto’/a car! Even the children were surprised at this. It’s incredible what happens when children have the freedom to play in a safe and stimulating environment! |
