Watching her five children play together is something Joan couldn’t even dream of this time last year.
Where there are now shrieks of excitement, there was once only silence. Now she joins in with the fun, but before, her children tip toed around her, aware of her sadness and feelings of despair.
Joan hadn’t found joy in the everyday since her husband left her to bring up their children alone. Looking after them was hard enough, but six-year-old Francine has Down Syndrome as well as complex physical and communication needs. She was unable to stand up, talk or heartbreakingly, even smile. Completely reliant on Joan, Francine needed help to go to the toilet, to move and to eat.
(Picture to the right: Francine playing with her siblings)
Because of the stigma surrounding disability in her community, Joan and her children were discriminated against and shunned. There was no one to turn to for help. She felt exhausted, isolated and depressed and sadly found it hard to bond with Francine.
Finding her community
Thanks for our wonderful supporters, Joan was able to join her local Parent Support Group which helps parents with children with disabilities access medical and social services.
By listening to others’ experiences, Joan realized she wasn’t alone. Watching the loving care these mothers had for their children gave her hope — others had faced and overcome challenges too.
“Chance for Childhood provided psychotherapy and improved my wellness and mental stability which was my starting point to look after my child, show her love as well as cope with the faced challenges”
Joan
Through the group, Joan was given a Disability Grant which eased her financial pressures. And, thanks to parental classes, Joan learnt about the importance of nutrition, medical care and education for Francine.
Double the smiles
Francine was referred to the local rehabilitation centre where she received the urgent medical and physical therapy she needed from our physiotherapists.
She can now stand and walk unaided. She is able to go to the toilet by herself, helps Joan with chores and joins in with her siblings.
Perhaps most importantly, Francine has just started school. Something Joan thought an impossibility last year. Her communication is improving and she enjoys looking at picture books. Slowly but surely, Francine is developing everyday and is starting to find joy in her childhood.
“What brings me joy is to see my child participating in daily living activities. There is now a smile on her face”.
