Book Review: Disabled Village Children

The resource book Disabled Village Children was originally published in 1987 but is still considered a vital handbook for those who want to assist children living in rural areas or urban places without resources.  It was entirely compiled to empower parents, community members, and friends of children with disabilities to assist them in practical ways.

Included in the book is a diagnostic section for conditions like cerebral palsy, common birth defects, and hypothyroidism.  Some of the conditions are rare in cities and the developed world, but can still be found in rural settings with poor healthcare.

Of particular interest are the many practical strategies which can be implemented without expensive materials or equipment. These include exercises to strengthen weak limbs, strategies to modify wheelchairs, instructions on walking aids, designs for therapy devices, toys for blind children, and a huge number of other useful items.

For example, making movements or facial expressions and asking a child to copy them is one way to teach them.  This requires no special equipment at all.  Or, one can use a round log of wood to teach a child to balance.  Many illustrations have been added to show how to manage certain therapies, which are also useful in explaining to parents and other local people how to assist their child.  The book can be purchased as an e-book from the publisher, or as a hard copy at https://store.hesperian.org/prod/Disabled_Village_Children.html. However, the publisher has also made the content of the book available on their website at no cost at https://bit.ly/3ZdyqTz.

Extra resource: Read how a missionary is raising her child with special needs on the mission field here: https://afrigo.org/story_resources/we-are-raising-our-disabled-son-on-the-mission-field/