Rehabilitation Equipment for Children with Cerebral Palsy in Sri Lanka

Cerebral palsy permanently affects body movement and muscle coordination, thus wheelchairs remain an important mode of movement for the affected individuals, providing much needed freedom. Children affected by cerebral palsy usually have limited mobility or are completely bed ridden which often leads to various health complications including muscle contractures. Children who do not have wheelchairs find it difficult to live a fulfilling life as they cannot even leave their homes, so they struggle to make friends and find it difficult to fit into a community.

Assistive and adaptive devices include a variety of tools and equipment that enable people who have disability to be more independent and promote their inclusion in society. The unavailability of these assistive devices is a significant barrier to inclusion. In Sri Lanka, only 35% of individuals with disabilities have such devices. Assisted Devices and wheelchairs could make a complete reversal in an individual’s lifestyle from one of isolation and confinement to the home to one of full participation in society.

This project was initiated by Cerebral Palsy Lanka Foundation (CPLF) and Wheels for Wheels Foundation to help to ensure that these devices will be made more freely available, appropriate and accessible and create opportunities for people who have disability function as active members of the society.