By Ngozi Anosike
The Executive Director of Faecare Foundation Amb. Freky Andrew-Essien has described assistive devices for persons with disabilities as lifeline.
She said this when the foundation visited one of their beneficiaries, Blessing Imabong for a change of her assistive device which she has already outgrown.
She maintained assistive devices are not extras but essential to quality of life as they protect health, restore confidence, and unlock independence of persons living with disabilities.
Celebrating arestored, she noted that under the Foundation’s health and wellness thematic area and as part of its wellness program for persons with disabilities, they work to ensure that persons with disabilities have the tools they need to live with dignity, safety and independence.
She underscored the importance of assistive devices disclosing that Faecare Foundation first met Blessing many years ago when she was just a child at a time her life was limited on the floor, and crawled to move from place to place while depending entirely on her single mother to carry her through referrals physiotherapy and early intervention.
She hinted that Blessing experienced freedom standing tall, moving independently and reclaiming her childhood for the first time when she started using elbow crutches.
Still speaking, Amb. Freky noted that when Faecare met Blessing and her mother again after some years their hearts sank as Blessing has grown but her crutches has not, adding that she was still using the same peadiatric elbow crutches she received years ago.
“Blessing was constantly bent over struggling to walk, falling frequently and risking serious injury as the independence she once gained was slipping away, her vibrant spirit was dimming and her health was in danger”, she noted in dismay.
She maintained that with assistive devices, persons living with disabilities can stand tall again, move with confidence dignity and renewed hope.
She thanked Faecare Foundation partners for their genrousity and kindness which made it possible for Blessing to have access to the right elbow crutches fit for her height and strength.
She however regretted that across all communities many persons with disabilities face the same silent struggle of out grown devices, worn out aids or having none at all and called on Government at all levels including individuals to partner with Faecare Foundation in providing assistive devices for persons with disabilities.
“This is where you come in, your partnership can put mobility back into someone’s life.
Your support can restore dignity, your action can prevent injury and open doors to independence.
Partner with us at faecare foundation today to provide much needed assistive devices and help more persons with disabilities live full active and meaningfull lives. The elated blessing and her mother thanked the foundation for restoring her life and prayed God to bless them and their partners.
