Case study of Mayank Rana
Tranforming Mayanks Life with the help of an Assistive Device
A three-year-old Mayank, born with physical disabilities affecting his right limbs and speech, lives in rural Kanchanpur District, Nepal. Unable to attend schools, he remained isolated at home despite his parents' numerous medical consultations.
In September 2024, opportunity arrived through a home-based school program collaboration between Save the Children and the Nepal National Social Welfare Association (NNSWA) in Laljhadi Rural Municipality. Mayank enrolled in Grade 1 at a nearby school, with regular monitoring visits from school officials and ward leadership. The program provided educational materials and a specially trained facilitator who works with Mayank daily through exercises, games, songs, and storytelling.
In December 2024, Mayank participated in a disability screening camp organized jointly by NNSWA and Laljhadi Rural Municipality. During this assessment, his measurement was taken and created a casting for an orthosis (assistive device) designed to improve his mobility. Since receiving and being fitted with this device, Mayank has shown remarkable progress. He now demonstrates greater confidence and reduced dependence when covering short distances. Most significantly, he has gained enough mobility to walk to school independently and soon he will join regular classroom activities with his peers.
The results have been remarkable. Once isolated, Mayank now appears happier, and increasingly confident. The initiative benefits the entire household. Mayank's mother notes that with the facilitator spending four hours daily with her son, she has more time for household management and herself, creating a better balance for the family. This case demonstrates how targeted education programs and community support can transform opportunities for children with disabilities and their families.
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