PEARL | Therapy, Inclusive Education, and Empowerment
Determined, sociable, always ready to join in, a brilliant laugh that lights up the room - these are just a few of the ways people describe Pearl.
Pearl continues to make wonderful progress, and we are delighted to share some of her recent achievements with you...
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Pearl works incredibly hard during her physiotherapy sessions. She receives regular physiotherapy both at home and at school. As a young person with spastic cerebral palsy, her movements can sometimes be unpredictable, so physiotherapy focuses on helping her move safely and comfortably while building strength and independence.
With support from our physiotherapist, Pearl has been strengthening the muscles that support her posture, balance, and mobility. She has made fantastic progress in standing with only limited support and is developing greater core strength to help maintain an upright position.
Her therapy programme includes breathing exercises, supported standing, side-stepping activities to improve balance and coordination, wheelchair skills to increase independence, and sit-to-stand practice to strengthen her legs and improve transfers.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT
Whilst Pearl is currently a healthy weight and height for her age, she experiences low muscle tone, making good nutrition especially important. Protein plays a vital role in building and maintaining muscle strength, supporting physical development, and helping the body respond to exercise and therapy. Through Family First Ghana, we have been supporting Pearl in increasing the amount of protein in her diet by providing foods such as nuts and eggs at home and school. Combined with her physiotherapy programme, this nutritional support helps her continue developing strength and endurance.
DEVELOPING INDEPENDENCE
Pearl is making great strides towards becoming an independent young lady.
She is now able to brush her teeth, brush her hair, apply deodorant, and dress herself independently. These everyday skills may seem small, but they represent significant achievements and help build confidence and self-esteem.
She can also communicate her toileting needs effectively and continues to develop her independence in other areas of daily living. We recently captured a lovely video of Pearl putting her shoes on and taking them off independently - another example of the progress she is making through hard work and perseverance.
LIFE AT AGAPE LOVE INCLUSIVE SCHOOL
Pearl is an active and enthusiastic member of Agape Love Inclusive School. She loves spending time with her friends and joining in classroom activities. She particularly enjoys activities that develop hand-eye coordination and motor skills, such as building and stacking with Lego. Her teachers describe her as engaged, eager to participate, and always willing to have a go.
***Slide for more pictures
SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT
Proper equipment and positioning are essential for helping Pearl participate comfortably in school and therapy activities. Specialist seating and standing equipment provides the postural support she needs to engage in learning, use her hands more effectively, and take part alongside her peers. We continue to monitor her equipment needs to ensure she has the support required to maximise her independence and participation.
A MASSIVE THANK YOU
We are so grateful to everyone who follows the work of FFG! Your continued support enables Pearl and other children and young people to access physiotherapy, nutritional support, specialist equipment, and inclusive education opportunities that help them continue building skills, confidence, and independence every day.
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