528 CHAPTER 56
5. Make use of the special opportunities in rural areas. Look for ways that a child
can do her exercises as part of daily work and play with other people—not as a boring
chore that keeps her separate and different. For example:
If a child needs a special aid
to strengthen her weak arm,
avoid making her do the exercises in
a way that isolates her.
Instead, find ways for her to
do her exercises while taking
part in activities
with others.
Another
child can
help lower
the grinder.
MORE APPROPRIATE
LESS APPROPRIATE
If the grinder is too
heavy to lift, you can
put another weight
here.
In places where people
grind grain with a
handmill, this can also
be used for exercises.
So can grinding grain
on a stone dish. A
mill can be adjusted
from ‘easy’ to ‘hard’.
(Also see p. 6 and 377.)
6. Whenever a choice can be made, keep orthopedic aids as light and unnoticeable
as possible. For example:
Tina is from a
village where
most children
wear sandals.
A rehabilitation
center in the
city fitted her
with a heavy
metal brace and
boots like this.
She hated them
and refused to
leave the house
with them on.
Six months later, Tina’s
father took her to a
village rehabilitation
center where they fitted
her with a lightweight
plastic brace. She
could wear it under
stockings, and still use
her old sandals. She
was happy to wear it
anywhere.
Note: In areas
where children do
not wear shoes and
socks, a brace
with a wood clog,
leaving most of
the foot open to
the air, may be
preferred (and
may be cleaner).
Disabled village Children