KOLKATA: Parents of youths with disabilities have had a trying time getting their wards vaccinated against Covid, especially at a time when the city has been witnessing a rush for a jab.
Often unable their express their fears and anxiety at not being able to figure out why they were being injected, these youngsters have been jittery, leaving their parents feeling helpless.
To address the issue, ICanFlyy — an institute for children and youth with autism, Down Syndrome, intellectual challenges and learning disabiliites — on Friday organized a vaccination for differently-abled youths.
More than a hundred received the jab.
Minu Budhia, psychotherapist and founder of ICanFlyy, pointed out that special children were very apprehensive about taking an injection.
“But coming to ICanFlyy was like coming to their second home.
Their familiar classrooms, friends, teachers and staff members comforted them and gave them the much-needed security that eased their nerves and made the inoculation look like a normal exercise,” said Budhia.
Vinita Singhania, parent of a specially-abled youth, was relieved that she was finally able to vaccinate her son Anshuman.
The 22-year-old’s mother was finding it difficult to get a slot for him and his caregiver.
On Friday, Anshuman was eventually vaccinated at ICanFlyy.
Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, too, vaccinated more than 50 differently abled individuals recently.
Smriti Saraogi, mother of 27-year-old Madhu Kanoria, said she had been apprehensive about taking her differently-abled daughter to a hospital during this pandemic.
“It was a great relief to finally get the vaccine for her,” said Saraogi.
A photo booth had been set up where the youth posed and got clicked after being vaccinated.
“Getting this vaccination drive conducted is my small contribution to my children who hold a very special place in my life and my heart and to my employees who are my backbone,” said Budhia.
“These people need to be treated patiently, which can’t happen in a hospital environment.
They can’t realize why they are being injected and get anxious and could even get traumatized.
So, making an effort to get them vaccinated in a familiar or friendly environment is a laudable move,” said psychiastrist J Ram.