Disabled girl 'should be allowed to live normal life'
Date: 01/04/2010 / Category: Indoor play for disability schools and groups
A Welsh mother is keen that her child's disability will not stop her from having a normal life, such as playing in soft play centres or going to university.
In an interview published on WalesOnline, Natasha Owens described the process of coping and caring for her child, Niamh, who was born with bilateral congenital cataracts.
She said: "I want Niamh to grow up and have a normal life. I don't want people to think it's all doom and gloom, I want Niamh to do everything that she can. I want her to go to university and do anything she wants to do."
Ms Owens emphasised the role brothers and sisters play in the development of a disabled sibling.
A support organisation for parents and siblings of sick and disabled children that meets at a local soft play centre every month has been set up by Ms Owens.
The Blind Children's Resource Center highlights the importance for blind and visually impaired children to get exercise, learn how to play games, and have fun things to do in their leisure time.
Its suggested activities include partially-sighted children playing with brightly coloured balls, such as those found in indoor play centres.
Posted by Lynne Woods
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