Ignorance over handicapped children

THE EDITOR: While walking along Penitence Street, San Fernando on December 15, 2003, I noticed a sad incident which proves that a lot of parents who have physically challenged children in their care need more than just moral support, but also education as well. The case in point, this elderly lady was walking with what seemed to be her grand daughter. One could have easily noticed that the girl was in no way able to move with the mobility of a normal child but her guardian was continuously telling her, “Come on, come on, you have to learn to move fast yuh know.”

I stood there in shock to see this child, her two hands almost bent and stretched out trying to walk the steps coming up Penitence Street, her face with an expression of strain. I was saddened and now feel compelled to appeal to the authorities to put out some form of educational seminars or ads to assist parents of physically challenged children. This case simply proves that there is much ignorance among our people about the proper approach in dealing with children, or even adults in some cases, who are mentally or physically challenged. For those who have mentally challenged children in their care there is the Memsa House and other agencies who may be able to assist them in more ways than one.

RAS KOMMANDA
San Fernando