Lazasoa, life of a disabled child.

Lazasoa, aged 4, smiles at her grandmother as she feeds her rice for lunch. Despite her sunny attitude, she struggles with severe disabilities including the inability to walk, speak or meet basic child development milestones. Lazasoa is very social able and loves being around people.

Her daily life is heavily reliant on those around her to take care of her. A day in a life of Lazasoa consists of her mother going to work each day and her grandmother taking care of her. Her grandmother but assist her with basic tasks including eat and drinking. She must also aid her in using the bathroom as she is unable to tell anyone because she is unable to speak. Her life before receiving aid from UNICEF through the Zara Mira cash-transfer program was one that was quite difficult. Lazsoa was born at home with a traditional nurse, and she struggled with breast feeding and was taken to a medical center. Unfortunately, the doctor did not offer any advice or direct them to a specialist to give the family healthcare for how to approach her disability.

Since receiving the cash transfers her family can pay her for kinesthetic therapy as well as massages three times a week. Until now, she is still unable to go to school as she is still unable to speak. Despite support from her family, she faces discrimination from her peers as many will laugh at the little girl because she acts differently from other children her age.

Her family’s biggest fears are about what will happen to her when her mother and grandmother are no longer there to take care of her. Despite having a brother, culturally after a girl hits puberty she must be taken care of by someone who is of the same gender. They fear that no one will be there to help her as she ages.

The family expresses that an establishment of schools that accommodate children with disabilities, it would be easier on families with children with disabilities. Their deepest wish is that she can achieve independence one day.