WHY BEHAVE AS IF PERSONS-WITH-DISABILITIES ARE NOT CITIZENS AND PEOPLE THAT SHOULD BE CATERED FOR BY THE STATE

PWDS in Sports

Persons-With-Disabilities (PWDs) are like the regular citizens - the "So-called Able People", full citizens and equal stakeholders and rightful co-owners of the common resources of the Country.

Both, the PWDs and regular citizens of Nigeria face challenges and difficulties daily, and in most cases, the challenges, difficulties and problems that the PWDs face are to say the least, stiffer and even more devastating, frustrating and suffocating. The fact that most of the So-called Able people, always spend most part of the day in life, harping on what they need that are not provided by the authorities or where the provisions are made, but are inadequate, should not over shadow the fact that the PWDs have their own challenges and peculiarities. 

In some cases what most of the So-call Able People complain about is that what have been provided for their use are out of tune with modern realities, thus, a new or an updated version is required. As a matter of fact most of the regular citizens bemoan their trials to the point that it is so glaring to all sane minds that they do not care, and that it does not matter to them whether the PWDs exist, live or die.

Any wonder that so little consideration or in most cases non is made, and therefore, no serious provisions are made to cater for the well-being of the PWDs, or to look towards their direction, as a way to assuage their taste and hunger for more engagement, more participation and accommodation: inclusion; which will help to ameliorate their plight, improve their condition, even if it is not for something substantial, a little at least.

This piece is focused on a segment of the vulnerable community of the PWDs in Nigeria, those that are under the influence and a disturbing challenge known as Cerebral Palsy. The emphasis in this write-up is particularly on children with the disorder.

By way of introducing the disorder, let me note that Cerebral Palsy, refers to a condition of permanent disorders that affect the movement, muscle tone and posture of anybody affected. For better understanding of what the disorder is, there is need to present here some of the physical and visible signs identifiable in the persons or individuals that have the challenge of Cerebral Palsy. These signs are presented in three clusters and include: Movement and coordination signs, Muscle related signs, Posture and alignment signs. Each cluster is briefly explained by identifying specifically, the signs in each.

Movement and coordination signs – things you may see

• Poor balance and coordination - increasing risk of fallsU
• UnsteadyGait - difficulty of walking - abnormal gait patternI
• Involuntarymovement - twitching or jerking

Muscle related signs - things you may see

• Muscle spasm - sudden, involuntary muscle contractionsS
• Spasticity- increased muscle stiffness or rigidity, often in the arms or legsM
• Muscleweakness - reduced muscle strength that make movements challenging

Posture and alignment signs

• Contractures - permanent shortening of muscles, leading to deformitiesA
• Abnormalposturing - unusual positioning of limbs or bodyS
• Scoliosis- curvature of the spine - spine curving sideways

Apart from the above, the following are also visible signs of Cerebral Palsy

• Drooling or speech difficulties, as a result of oral motor impairmentsV
• Vision hearing and in some cases sensory impairments

In the infant the following can be visible in those affected by Cerebral Palsy

• Developmental delays in reaching mile stones - sitting, crawling, standing and walkingA
• Abnormalmuscle tone - stiff muscles
• Asymmetrical movements - one part or side of the body more favoured or affected more than the other

The above, not withstanding, it is vital to underscore the fact that each person or individual having Cerebral Palsy, is unique. The severity and presentation of these signs may vary, sometimes greatly from one person or the other.

Scoreline is happy to announce that Enlightenment, guidance and advocacy related activities with regard to Cerebral Palsy is provided by a Jos, Plateau state, North Central Nigeria based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). The name of the NGO is Glowing Star Empowerment Initiative and Development (GSEID), with Atta Sefiya Mansoor as the founder.

More on Cerebral Palsy will be published on this Platform.

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Nnabugwu Chizoba