Disabilities and Prevention

Can it happen again? How do I prevent my child from having this challenge again?
Some forms of disabilities can be prevented by simple measures and these include;

• Folic acid intake by all women of the child bearing age – this prevents the spina bifida, hydrocephalus
• Avoidance of smoking and alcohol consumption by pregnant women
• Early registration and proper antenatal care can prevent early deliveries of preterm babies
• Supervised deliveries by skilled medical professionals and well-equipped centres for emergency obstetric care to prevent birth complications
• Early detection and treatment of some medical diseases in neonatal and infancy period especially jaundice and severe neonatal infections
• Screening for the genetic disorders
• Early presentation to the Hospital and diagnosis and treatment of the disabilities to avoid further worsening of the disability and development of secondary complications

Disabilities: – Myths and Misconceptions

There are so many myths and misconceptions rampant in the African society about children with disabilities. These misconceptions often lead to further societal stigmatization of people with disabilities.
They are also contributory to children with disabilities not achieving their maximum potential.
There is no scientific basis for these myths and misconceptions and they are often rooted in ignorance and superstitious beliefs.
Common myths and misconceptions on disabilities include;

Spiritual cause – Most disabilities are not due to spiritual causes as we have stated the causes above. They are not due to demonic afflictions or witchcraft.
Disabilities are contagious – Associating or interacting with children with disabilities does not mean the person will also develop disabilities. There is a belief that a pregnant woman who stays around such children will have children with disabilities; that is not true.
Society rejects/outcasts – people with disabilities are believed to be unnecessary burden to the society who can never be productive or achieve anything in life. This is responsible for the high rate of physical abandonment and/or neglect of such children. Such children are even killed at times in extreme cases. This is cruel and criminal. Children with disabilities with the right support can live to achieve their maximum potential.

Famous People with Disabilities

Disability is not a death sentence! Children and adults with special needs and disabilities can live good quality lives that can benefit the society despite the challenges they may face.
A brief Google search will reveal many successful people in the world with disabilities ranging from a former US President to many athletes, authors, evangelists in the recent past and contemporary times as well.

This is not limited to the developed world. In Nigeria, we have our own successful people with disabilities. Cobhmas the prolific music producer is blind. Tobiloba Ajayi is a lawyer and CP advocate with cerebral palsy. Many children with special needs have done Nigeria proud by winning gold at the Special Olympics. With advancement in technology are living full and productive lives.

A very inspirational example is Nicholas James “Nick” Vujicic, an Australian Christian evangelist and motivational speaker born with Phocomelia, a rare disorder characterized by the absence of legs and arms. He has written books, married with two children and often speak to thousands of people to motivate them to fulfill their maximum potential.

Conclusion:

We should all seek to understand children and individuals with disabilities and support them in achieving their maximum potential.
There is always hope and ability in every disability!

Disabilities and Prevention