AURA
Mothers of special children are usually pitied. They are considered to be living martyrs or almost saint-like. In Pakistan, especially due to lack of awareness, there is an uncompromising attitude on the general people’s part that hurts the parents of such children. Though it is slowly changing, for some it is difficult to warm up to people who are disbaled, physically or mentally.
One such mother, Dr. Ruby Abbasi took an action. Her son, Bilal was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, when he was two and a half years old. Cerebral Palsy is called paralysis of the brain. It occurs when the oxygen supply is cut off from the brain, during delivery or infancy. The results may be, epileptic fits, visual, hearing or speech impairment. The disbalities are physical and/or mental. This disease is not herediitary or contagious.
She formed a day care centre for such childrenin 1985. It began with merely two rented rooms in P.E.C.H.S. Dr. Abbasi “got trained at the BOBATH center in London UK in 1984 and started treating children, counseling parents on handling the child at home, and employing & training the local graduate therapists in the BOBATH techniques.”
Aura, a non-profit organization was formed by her, parents of children affected by cerebral palsy, therapists, doctors. “AURA is now functioning out of a purpose built building in Gulistan-e-johar Karachi since the year 2000. Program tailored to the individual needs of these children are being offered in two shifts.”
Many parents feel demotivated or even ashamed of bringing their disabled children out, in front of other people. This success story of a strong willed mother just shows that the change can only will itself, if the rest of us are accomodating. Let’s try and be a bit more accepting.
For further information http://www.alumeed.com/about_us.html
Do note that Cerebral Palcy affects different kids in different ways. Like Bilal Abbasi retained his intelligence and used to communicate using his eyes (using yes or no as logical responses to questions posed). So while you can call them special kids, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they lack intelligence.
Thank you for writing about my aunt.
Sadly, Bilal passed away last year.
Even though Bilal was physically limited,
like Saad mentioned above, he was intelligent,
communicative and full of personality.
Your aunt, as in real aunt? Faisal – that prolly means that we’re related cos she’s my aunt as well :| BAH!
Yes Saad, real aunt….
Bilal was my first cousin.
Faisal – He was my first cousin as well. Is it possible that you can email me? abdullahsaad@gmail.com
@Saad,
I’ve just sent you an email.
THANK YOU Henna P.
This post is inspiring and full of HOPE : )
I’v known Dr. Ruby personally as well, we used to be neighbours.. She is one amazing person, very inspirational!
Good post!
Faisal – I’ve replied to your email and yes it’s a small world indeed. :)