Sumaira, the hope of living an independent life

Sumaira lives in the village of Zazna Ganderbal, 28 kilometers from the nearest town. Having heard about the association from one of his neighbors, a Handicap International beneficiary, her father decided to see if they could help his daughter. Sumaira attended her first consultation at the Ganderbal rehabilitation center on 7 January 2010, accompanied by her father. Dislhad and Laila, a Handicap International occupational therapist and physical therapist, collected the necessary information on her disability and her needs, in order to establish a rehabilitation schedule.
 
Sumaira now attends the center every day to receive care. After several rehabilitation sessions, she is starting to eat with her hands, to dress herself and to practice washing herself. On 15 January, Sumaira had a consultation with an orthopedic specialist who considered she would need a surgical intervention to correct the malformation of her feet.  Prior to the operation, Handicap International continued Sumaira’s treatment to prevent the onset of further malformations.

On1st July 2012 Sumaira underwent an operation. She benefited directly from post-operative nursing care and physical therapy to fully recover from her operation. Once the fixations were removed, Sumaira was able to stand up supported with an orthosis , and to continue her rehabilitation at the Ganderbal center. Gradually, the organization's teams will be able to help her to walk, supported by the orthosis and a walking aid.
 
The extent of Sumaira’s progress has given her parents the hope of one day seeing their daughter leading an independent life, like any other child.