In the world today, more people have cerebral palsy than any other developmental disability, including down syndrome, epilepsy and autism. About two children out of every thousand born have some type of cerebral palsy. Although doctors say that the condition is preventable, children with very mild cerebral palsy occasionally recover by the time they are school-aged.
Cerebral Palsy develops as a child fails to get sufficient oxygen to the brain within 15 to 17 minutes after birth. Sadly, it is usually a lifelong condition and in most cases, the movement and other problems associated with cerebral palsy affect what the child is able to learn and do to varying degrees throughout their life.
With the vision to integrate persons with cerebral palsy into the mainstream of society, cerebral-palsied adults headed by a cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia Rodrigo “Peewee” Kapunan, formed the Cerebral Palsied Association of the Philippines (CPAP). Though struck with the disability themselves, the founders and members are able to lead normal lives through therapy.
Organized in September 1993, CPAP seeks to provide assistance to persons with cerebral palsy through networking with concerned agencies for their rehabilitation, schooling, training, development and employment. It also hopes to promote awareness of what cerebral palsy is, its causes, management and prevention. Futhermore, CPAP is geared to uphold and protect the rights of people with cerebral palsy and advocate that persons with such condition can contribute to nation-building in spite of their condition.
For the past 10 years, a total of 100 volunteers have been rendering their services to CPAP for free. These volunteers include doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, teachers, parents and community workers.
Members avail of the programs and services of CPAP, like leadership training, personality development, vocational and other skills and training programs. These services are given through the aid of various government, non-government and people’s organizations.
Pfizer, through a grant from Pfizer Foundation in New York, together with The Asia Foundation, is one of the organizations supporting this advocacy. Pfizer will provide resources for CPAP to hold 12 lectures around the country. These forums are expected to increase awareness on cerebral palsy: what it is, how to cope with it and information on people with disabilities. Assistance is also through information materials on cerebral palsy to be distributed during the lectures.
“Essentially, we at Pfizer want to spread the word about this significant program as it is apparent to us how great the needs of these people with cerebral palsy”, said Pfizer Corporate Affairs Director Karen Villanueva.
“Through this partnership, Pfizer on its 50th year in the Philippines, reaffirms its commitment and support to people with disabilities”.
The first of a series of lectures was recently held at Marist School in Marikina City. Participated in by students of Marist, it focused on teacher and student involvement in the issues and concerns of disabled persons.
CPAP today is headed by 13 members of the Board with over 160 Manila-based members. The organization is actively involved in the formulation and implementation of policies and programs for persons with disabilities.
For more information on CPAP, contact Dennis P. Ilagan, Vice-President at 732-4219, 0920 264 4111, email: cpap_2003@yahoo.com, denciopi@edsamail.com.ph, website: cpap.dreamcodehosting.net.
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