The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Celebrating World Cerebral Palsy Day at Changangkha School
On 6 October, Changangkha Middle Secondary School hosted the celebration for the World Cerebral Palsy Day. The event brought together children with disabilities and their families, creating a supportive environment where everyone could connect and learn.
The Executive Director (ED) of Ability Bhutan Society (ABS) highlighted the importance of this year’s approach, stating, “For this year’s Cerebral Palsy Day, we wanted to do something different. We made it more of an interactive session to empower them so that they can feel more empowered and people think that they have the potential to do things.” The focus was not only on raising awareness about cerebral palsy but also on celebrating the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
ED of ABS pointed out that acceptance begins at home, and the event sought to encourage families to embrace their loved ones’ potential fully.
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a term that refers to a group of neurological disorders that affect movement and muscle coordination. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, CP typically appears in infancy or early childhood and is caused by damage to or abnormalities in the developing brain. This damage disrupts the brain’s ability to control movement and maintain posture and balance.
Project Manager at ABS, Namgyal Dorji, emphasized the critical role of consistent intervention in the development of children with CP. He urged parents to remain patient and supportive, as many may give up too soon in the face of challenges. “Intervention should be multi-dimensional,” he stated, highlighting the need for a well-rounded approach to care and support.
Kinzang Jamtsho is a 34-year-old man living with mild CP. Kinzang shared his inspiring story of resilience and determination. Currently working at the People’s Disability Organization, he reflected on the difficulties he faced growing up as the only child with a disability in his village. “I was the only one in my village and school who had a disability,” he recalled. “Back then, people didn’t have much knowledge about it, so even in school, there were opportunities like public speaking and co-curricular activities that I missed out on. During exams, I struggled to complete my papers on time because I was slower than the other kids,” he added.
Kinzang’s journey was marked by significant challenges from an early age. His mother passed away when he was just a few weeks old, leaving his father to recognize the importance of education. He enrolled Kinzang in school, despite the difficulties he faced. “During school breaks, I would walk alone for hours because I couldn’t keep up with the other students,” Kinzang shared. However, he received a scholarship from the Youth Development Fund for his 11th and 12th grades, allowing him to attend a private school in Bumthang, where he found better support and opportunities.
After completing his education, Kinzang pursued ICT training and internships, but struggled to find a job initially. He returned to his village for over a year before deciding to move to Thimphu, determined not to waste his education. “There have been kind people along the way,” he said, “I worked for almost two years with an event management company, but I was paid less than my colleagues.”
Eventually, he joined the People’s Disability Organization, starting as a temporary replacement and becoming a regular employee since 2018. Reflecting on his journey, Kinzang noted, “There have been many challenges, not only for me, but for my family. However, having an education played a major role in shaping who I am today.” Kinzang is married and has made a life for himself in Thimphu.
Kezang Wangmo, shared her experience as the mother of five-year-old Kinley Wangchuk, who has Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy. She first noticed her son’s difficulties when he was just six months old, and sought help.
Initially, she was told to wait and see if he would catch up, but after three months with no progress, she decided to pursue therapy. To provide the best care for her son, Kezang resigned from her job to take care of Kinley full-time. Her husband also helps out.
“As he grows, it’s becoming harder for me to manage alone. He has improved a lot over time, and all we want is for him to get better and hopefully become independent,” she explained. The family moved to the capital for their son’s treatment where Kezang got a new job.
Another inspiring story came from Samten Thinley, who runs a vegetable stall. His mother dreams that he will be able to support himself, despite the obstacles he faces. Samten currently runs a vegetable stall at Kaja Throm, shop number 80.
A major challenge for many people with disabilities is the lack of accessible infrastructure in public areas.
The Health Minister acknowledged these issues, stating that assessments are underway to improve infrastructure for individuals with disabilities. MoH has allocated Nu 100 million for modifications to enhance accessibility.
Most children with CP are diagnosed within the first two years of life. However, if a child’s symptoms are mild, it can be challenging for doctors to make an accurate diagnosis before the age of four or five.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while there is no cure for CP, early identification and treatment can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected. Beginning a treatment program as early as possible is crucial, as symptoms may change over time but typically do not worsen.
