HYDERABAD: Caregiver burden has been a long-sustaining problem in case of children with intellectual disabilities. In two difference cases reported on Saturday, the maternal uncle of twins who were mentally disabled admitted to police that he killed them as they are a burden to the parents.
In another incident, where it was found that a child was eating and drinking soap and home cleaning liquids, the child’s relatives complained about how life is turning difficult for everyone in the house. They shared that she cannot be left on her own and there is a need for a caregiver to look after her, but cannot afford one.
Experts tell us that, while on one hand, there is lack of enough support from the State for caregivers, lack of awareness of several provisions for the caregivers is a problem. Currently, people are aware of the pension of `1,500 and a travel concession that a child receives when their disability is identified and certified. Mother of one 7-year-old, who suffers from cerebral palsy, said that she needs to focus on her child through the day. Her husband’s earnings are not sufficient for her treatment.
The Department of Disabled Welfare, only last week, started to issue disability certificates for children with intellectual disabilities across 20 institutions in Rangareddy and Hyderabad.