 |
 |
|
|
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a group of long-term conditions that affects the body movements. It is caused by brain damage before or during birth or during infancy.
There are four types of cerebral palsy:
- Spastic (muscle tightness that
limits range of motion, trouble holding or letting go
of objects)
- Ataxic (disturbance in mobility
causing poor coordination, unsteady movements, difficulty
when attempting quick or precise movements e.g. pouring
water into a cup or buttoning a shirt)
- Athetoid (involuntary movements
in the hands, feet, arms or legs and in some cases in
the muscles of the face and tongue causing twisting
of face and drooling, problems with speech, difficulty
in swallowing)
- Mixed (having more than one
of the above mentioned symptoms)
Yap Hon Wee
My first encounter with Hon Wee was ten years ago
when I was a teacher assistant at Spastic Children
Association. He has cerebral palsy and moderate intellectual
disability. Though he was not my student, he left
a deep impression in me because of his cheerfulness
and friendliness. He greeted his friends and teachers
with excitement and the biggest smile you can ever
imagine. These are his trademarks until today.
Hon Wee is 20 years old now (he was born in 1984).
Though cerebral palsy caused his limbs and muscles
to be weak, he is one of the most active students
I have. He can be clumsy at times due to his poor
eyesight. But he has never allowed his conditions
to get in his way. He participates actively during
singspiration with singing & dancing. He also enjoys
class activities like cooking and physical education.
Hon Wee is very caring towards his friends. He often
checks on them to make sure they are doing all right
and reminds them to ask for help when they need assistance.
It is our mission to provide communities of acceptance,
joy and hope to people like Hon Wee. In the midst
of teaching him, I find myself learning from him instead.
He has taught me to accept, love and have good hope
for people with disabilities. I appreciate every precious
lesson that Hon Wee has taught me.
Written by Hon Wee’s teacher, Gavin
Teo
|
|
|
|
