Relief must reach disabled children
Ćerimović highlighted barriers to education, assistive products and psychosocial support. Some educational activities and child-friendly spaces had excluded children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, she reported. Her appeal called for response and recovery plans that addressed disabled children’s and adults’ needs from the outset. [1]
Rehabilitation teams lack equipment
Humanity & Inclusion had reported acute shortages on 10 February. A rehabilitation manager in Idlib, identified by the pseudonym Sami, estimated that 60% of his patients since the earthquake lacked essential mobility devices. Without wheelchairs, crutches or walkers, patients depended on other people to carry them.
Families spend assistance on daily needs
A UNICEF monitoring report published in June examined emergency cash received in March by families caring for children with disabilities in Aleppo. House repairs and rent accounted for 24% of spending, health for 22% and food for 21%. The findings supported assistance that families could allocate according to their own priorities.