Cerebral Palsy Concerns: CRP Event Highlights Awareness and Inclusion
More than 18 million people worldwide are affected by cerebral palsy, with around 250,000 patients in Bangladesh alone. These figures were shared during a discussion session held on Monday, September 6, at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) in Savar, Dhaka, marking World Cerebral Palsy Day.
The event featured speeches by Dr. Jena Hamadani, Emeritus Scientist at icddr,b; Hosne Ara Parveen, Head of the CRP Child Department; Senior Consultant Mohammad Yusuf; and Muhammad Abdullah Al Jubair, Principal of William and Mary Taylor School.
In her remarks, Dr. Jena Hamadani said, “Many people think this is a form of punishment from the Creator. But that is not true. Every person has unique qualities and talents. Not everyone is the same. Children with disabilities also have intelligence and potential—perhaps not in the same way as others, but differently.”
She further added, “We all have some form of disability within us. We must view them as equals and ensure proper rehabilitation so they can adapt to mainstream society.”
Earlier in the day, a colorful rally was organized under the slogan “Unstoppable and United,” featuring children from CRP’s Child Department and William and Mary Taylor School.
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, and posture. It usually results from damage to the developing brain before or during birth, leading to varying degrees of physical challenges and difficulty in coordinating movements.
