OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FOR CHILDREN LIVING WITH DISABILITIES

Children with disabilities often endure stigma, isolation, and limited access to crucial therapy, leaving many families without the support they need. However, the Master Empowerment Centre in Githurai 45 offers a lifeline. This community-based organization provides free occupational and speech therapy, empowering children to regain independence and enhance their quality of life.

Lydia Kabuchi, fondly known as Mama Alinah, is a mother of two living in Githurai, a sub-county of Nairobi. The past two years have been a relentless struggle for her. Her firstborn, Alinah, has faced delayed milestones—a condition where a child does not achieve expected developmental stages like crawling, walking, or speaking. “Alinah had delayed development. She could not lift her legs, and even sitting was a challenge. I had to stay home for nearly two years to care for her. I had lost all hope of ever seeing her walk again,” she shares.

Similarly, Mary Muranga recalls the early struggles with her son Maxwell, who did not cry at birth. At just one-month-old, he was diagnosed with meningitis, followed by rickets at three months. However, the challenges did not end there. “When I went back to the hospital when he was seven months old, they told me he had cerebral palsy and autism. It took me nearly three years to accept his condition and begin therapy,” she explains.

Mary and Lydia are among the few mothers who deeply understand the vital role of occupational therapy in supporting children with developmental challenges.

A Lifeline

The Master Empowerment Centre, a Community-Based Organization in Githurai 45, has become a lifeline for mothers and children living with disabilities. The centre offers essential services such as occupational and speech therapy free of charge, providing much-needed support for families in the community.

Located about fifteen kilometres from Nairobi’s Central Business District, Githurai 45 is a densely populated neighbourhood, home to low- and middle-income earners. For many families, accessing these free services is a significant relief. “I heard about the centre from other women who come here and decided to bring my daughter,” Lydia shares. “The therapist spends about 30 to 45 minutes with her, which is far more attention than we received at the hospital I used to visit.”

The centre currently has 106 children in its database and serves 20 to 25 of them on the days it operates—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. “Occupational therapy addresses mental health, physical dysfunction, and paediatrics to restore lost functions,” explains Susan Njeri, an occupational therapist at the centre. “We handle a variety of conditions here, but the most common include cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, rickets, stroke, and delayed milestones.”

Susan highlights the different approaches used in therapy, such as the Rood approach, which focuses on normalizing and inhibiting muscle tone. “This involves stimulating various body parts through repeated purposeful movements to help patients develop independence,” she says.

“With occupational therapy, you will see progress in milestones such as head control, sitting, and walking. We also offer speech therapy to enhance communication skills,” Susan adds. Occupational therapy provides children who were once immobile or confined indoors the chance to regain independence and gradually find their place in the world.

“I have been bringing Maxwell for therapy consistently for eight months, and he has shown remarkable improvement,” Mary shares. “Therapy works. I have seen children who could not lift their necks or walk being discharged this year.”

Despite the efforts of organizations like the Master Empowerment Centre, raising awareness and ensuring access to occupational therapy for children with disabilities remains a significant challenge. Conditions such as cerebral palsy and autism are often misunderstood, with some community members stigmatizing children affected by these conditions.

“Some people claim your child is possessed or that your family is cursed with witchcraft,” says Mary. “You face judgment when others see you carrying an older child, and neighbours often avoid associating with you or your child freely.”

Caregivers often face isolation, which can lead to depression and other psychological challenges. On top of this, they must navigate the demanding task of caring for children who require more attention than others while also striving to provide for their families. Many have even been denied opportunities because of their children’s conditions.

“To address this, we have integrated trauma healing into our programs,” explains Rosalyne Kariithi, Co-founder and Director of the Master Empowerment Centre. “Caregivers and persons with disabilities face immense trauma from stigmatization, rejection by family members, and the financial burdens they endure.”

Easing Access

The shortage of qualified therapists further compounds the challenges faced by caregivers. According to the Kenya Occupational Therapy Association, only about 900 occupational therapists were registered nationwide as of December 2023. This limited number means many children miss out on the essential care they need. The scarcity of therapy centres, coupled with the lack of therapists in some government hospitals, forces caregivers to travel long distances to access treatment.

“At the previous hospital, I would spend hours waiting in long queues to be served,” Lydia shares. “Here at the centre, the numbers are smaller, and my daughter gets more attention from the therapist. Plus, it is just a few meters from home, so I do not have to spend extra money on transportation.”

Children with disabilities deserve love, acceptance, and the opportunity to participate in daily activities without constant dependence on others. Occupational therapy provides a pathway for these children to improve their motor skills and work toward independence. Expanding access to therapy services is essential to ensure that more children receive the care they need to lead fulfilling lives.

Supporting community-based centres to continue offering free therapy services can make a significant difference in addressing the developmental challenges faced by children with disabilities. Equally important is educating society to embrace these children, fostering inclusion, and encouraging their recovery by engaging them in social settings and activities. Together, these efforts can help ensure no child is left behind.

Edited by Pius Okore.