Beyond Mobility

We don’t believe we’re just fixing feet. We believe we’re fixing lives. Most people are aware that untreated clubfoot prevents children from walking properly. However, the disability goes beyond mobility. In honor of International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the surrounding #ENDviolence campaign, which
takes place on December 3^rd, we want to discuss more than a child’s inability to walk, play or attend school. Sadly, clubfoot and other disabilities can have a crippling impact on a child. To support #ENDviolence this month, we want to share three facts about children with disabilities that you may not know and how you can help.

1. The Likelihood of Violence

Fact: Children and adolescents with disabilities are 3 to 4 times more likely to experience physical and sexual violence and neglect than children without disabilities.

How you can help: You can help children with clubfoot in low-income countries by providing for their complete treatment. Casting, braces, and transportation costs only $250 and provides a new outlook on life for a child and their family.

2. Sexual Violence

Fact: Children and adolescents with disabilities are at significantly increased risk of experiencing sexual violence.

How you can help: Address stigma and discrimination that prevent children with disabilities who have experienced sexual violence, from accessing services and redress. Ensure safe, anonymous and accountable reporting mechanisms for all children, including those with disabilities to report abuse.

3. Life in an Institution

Fact: Children with disabilities are up to 17 times more likely to live in an institution than their peers without disabilities.The risk of violence, neglect and abuse in institutions and orphanages is much higher than when living at home or in a community.

How you can help: End the institutionalization of children by supporting families and providing inclusive community-level services particularly in health, education and social protection. MiracleFeet offers an inexpensive way to help children with clubfoot with a $20 brace. Donate a brace to a child in need now.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities brings to light the stigma and violence we fight so hard to prevent with the treatment of clubfoot. Thanks for being a part of this awareness campaign.