Abstract:
Worldwide there are millions of children and adolescents with adisability. The United Nations
Children’s Fund estimates the worldwide prevalence to be 150 million children under 18
years older, the World Health Organization also estimates that there are 93 million children
with impairment.
This study focused at describing the impact of rehabilitation programme for the young adult
living with cerebral palsy admitted in a care centre Mopani District, South Africa.
The study utilized a quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional survey method. Data was
collected using an observational check list. The target population is young adults’ aged 18-
35 yearswith cerebral palsy in a Care Centre. Sampling was not necessary in this study
since the targeted population was small in number. Confidentiality of respondents’
information was maintained where study subjects wereidentifiedusing codes. Data were
analysed using descriptive statistics and the results of the analysis are presented in the form
of tables and charts to enhance clarity. The results are presented according to the
objectives. The conclusion and recommendationswere made based on the findings.
The study results show that there were more females than males (ratio 3:1) and the range of
age distribution was 20 to 37 years. The study also finds out that cerebral palsy condition
was accompanied by other complications such as blindness, mental retardation, epilepsy
and hydrocephalus. The study indicated that rehabilitation can only have minimal effects but
it can improve the quality of life of the patient. With regard to communication outcome of the
rehabilitation programme it indicates progress following rehabilitation between 57% and 80%
could use expressive language and follow basic instructions. The study also observed that
patients made a steady improvement right through from those who spent 4 to 8 years to
those who had been there for long, 15 years and above. Since cerebral palsy can affect
motor development as well as social development, the rehabilitation seems beneficial to
focus on intervention programme on the cognitive stimulation of children and young adults
with cerebral palsy.
