CEREBRAL PALSY AND THE WHEELS FOR WHEELS FOUNDATION

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a condition that affects muscle control and movement. It is usually caused by an injury to the brain before, during or after birth (Scope, 2014). It is one of the most prevalent physical disabilities in childhood ‐ globally almost 17 million people have CP. Although no scientific research has been done on the prevalence of CP in Sri Lanka, research carried out globally into the prevalence of CP (Gladstone, 2010) suggests that the prevalence in Sri Lanka may be at least 0.2%. This means that there are likely to be more than 40,000 persons in Sri Lanka with this condition (Sunday Times, 2011).

Understanding this need for further research into CP in Sri Lanka, there is also a clear need to boost awareness and understanding of CP, as well as the medical capacity and funding needed to treat the condition. There are, as yet, no specialized surgeries like SEMLARASS, OSSCS in Sri Lanka to prevent or correct deformities for those with CP and there are very few parents or teachers who are trained in taking proper care of children with CP.

Moreover, Sri Lankan census data underlines the extent to which families with disabled children need financial help; nearly three‐quarters of disabled Sri Lankans are dependent on their families for support to survive (ESCAT 2014). This highlights the need for vocational training for young people and adults with CP and disabilities who dream of a life in which they are financially independent.

THE PROJECT

Cerebral Palsy permanently affects body movement and muscle coordination, thus wheelchairs remain an important mode of movement for the affected individuals, providing much needed freedom. Children affected by Cerebral Palsy usually have limited mobility or is completely bed ridden which often leads to various health complications including muscle contractures. Children who do not have wheelchairs find it difficult to live a fulfilling life as they cannot even leave their homes, so they struggle to make friends and find it difficult to fit into a community. This project was initiated to enable the children with Cerebral Palsy to get out of their house bound situation and to encourage their maximal participation in society.

SPECIAL WHEELCHAIR DONATION CAMPS

The special wheelchair donation camps for children with Cerebral Palsy will provide an opportunity for parents to seek assistance if they have a child with CP or if they suspect that their child may be affected by the disorder.

2015 – 2018 WHEELCHAIR DONATION CAMPS

Around the Pearl Around the Pearl Around the Pearl
HAMBANTOTA 15.02.2015 49
ANURADHAPURA 22.02.2015 24
MONERAGALA 01.03.2015 35
JAFFNA 08.03.2015 150
KANDY 15.03.2015 112
RATNAPURA 22.03.2015 65
KURUNEGALA 29.03.2015 108
GALLE 09.04.2015 95
BATTICALOA 12.04.2015 140
MORATUWA 19.04.2015 61
WELLAWAYA 10.05.2015 49
WATTALA 24.05.2015 70
NUWARELIYA (WALTRIM) 14.06.2015 24
BATTARAMULLA 03.12.2015 25
PUTTALAM 10.01.2016 83
TRINCOMALEE 11.04.2016 36
COLOMBO (PARK ROAD) 17.04.2016 33
WATTALA (CENTER) 2016 96
NUWARELIYA 25.09.2016 44
VAVUNIYA 13.11.2016 73
BADULLA 04.12.2016 53
GAMPAHA 08.01.2017 82
MATARA 09.04.2017 36
KANDY (FOLLOW UP) 23.04.2017 20
ALUTHGAMA 01.05.2017 54
RAJAGIRYA (CENTRE) 07.05.2017 46
WELLAWAYA 18.06.2017 18
BANDARAWELA 16.07.2017 08
KADUGANNAWA 22.10.2017 77
RAJAGIRIYA (CENTRE) 23.12.2017 32
PASIKUDA (KIRAN) 15.04.2018 63
MULLAITIVU 18.04.2018 42
MATARA 06.05.2018 82
RAJAGIRIYA (CENTRE) Jan- June 2018 47
TOTAL 2032
  • Around the Pearl CAMP
  • Around the Pearl DATE
  • Around the PearlTOTAL NUMBER OF WHEELCHAIRS DISTRIBUTED