Braving the odds: Parents of differently abled children in Keralam search for a bright spot
The article highlights the profound challenges faced by parents of children with disabilities in Keralam, India, detailing their emotional struggles, lack of societal support, and instances of spousal desertion. It shares personal stories of parents seeking care and emphasizes the often-overlooked concerns of these families.
Why it matters
This report brings critical attention to a significant social issue, advocating for greater awareness and support systems for families caring for differently-abled children, and exposing systemic gaps in care and societal prejudices.
A dilemma rattled Rani Mahesh*, a native of Koyilandy in Keralam’s Kozhikode, when her husband was admitted to a private medical college hospital in the district for treatment a few years ago. She wanted to be with him. But her only child, who has cerebral palsy, could not be left alone at home.
“Worried about who would look after her, I couldn’t stop crying on the bus while going back home from the hospital that day. As suggested by a friend, I decided to take my child to a privately run care home for differently abled children in my home town. But I was not familiar with the place then,” she says.
Help came in the form of P.K. Jameela* from Malappuram, who volunteered to take care of the child there.
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