CBR - COMMUNITY BASED REHABILITATION

“The Community-Based Rehabilitation Program was not originally planned when we started our work. But we came across women who were left destitute, because a child was disabled. No one would take responsibility for this disabled child.”

(Mrs. Pearl Stephen, WDC Coordinator)

The CBR Program was the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, offering professional support for children with special needs even before any government programs existed. CBR creates an environment where disabled people have equal rights and mothers of disabled children have the fullest access to resources.

Social integration of disabled people is the goal of this program. Today it has grown to include ten centers around Kandy and four special units in schools. CBR centers are located in: Peradeniya, Ulapone, Pothgoda, Ududeniya, Mailapitiya, Menikhinna, Teldeniya, Panwila, Madulkelle, and Rattota. All these CBR centers work on a set form of principles and standards.

“When Kaushalya was born she was just like a log; she was barely able to move. The doctor recommended that she come to this place. We began to see a vast difference. She is much more active: she eats, she plays, she practices. The teachers are all very dedicated; they make her get up, they make her walk. She has improved a lot. I have no words to thank CBR for the difference it has made to me and my daughter.”

(Mother of child with cerebral palsy)

CBR centers offer professional support in the following areas:

• Physiotherapy

• Speech

• Learning

• Sign Language

• Daily living skills

• Special programs for mentally retarded

• Vocational training

• Income generating activities

“SAHANA”: VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE AND HOSTEL

• A Vocational Training Centre (VTC) and hostel for differently-abled children is located at Ampitiya

• The hostel (called “Sahana”) was the outcome of discussions the WDC had with the Department of Social Services

• The hostel accommodates mildly mentally retarded children

• Vocational Training is provided in the following areas: making cement pots, candles, coir, cloth rugs, brooms and carpentry

OTHER REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES

• Digana hospital for spinal for injuries houses approximately 25 patients

• Counseling for patients is done by WDC, including encouraging clients on a vocation of their choice. eg. Pottery painting, making envelops and fabric paintings

• Another program of community-based rehabilitation is offered for clients with irreversible blindness (WDC coordinates this project with the eye clinic of the general hospital in Kandy)

NEW AUTISM UNIT AT CBR

Autism is not an illness. It is a slowing of the developing process of the mind. This condition cannot be identified by just looking at a person. A psychiatrist or counselor can recognize an autistic child or adult. The WDC has autistic children attending CBR centers for rehabilitation.

At present, autistic children receive therapy along with the mentally retarded children which is not an ideal solution. Realizing the need for more targeted treatment, our training officers participated in a training program conducted by the Special Education Unit of the Maharagama Special Education Teacher Training Institute.

Following the training received and together with our experience over the years we have planned to open an Autism Unit at the CBR centre. Six children have been selected for the initial rehabilitation program. A psychiatric counselor has helped us in setting up this unit. We also receive valuable support from Dr. Sudath who has experience with autistic persons as well officers from the Autism Support Group.