Disabled Children


There are more than 240 million disabled children all over the world. Unfortunately this number is increasing as a result of the recent developments in obstetrical and pediatric care. Most of these children live in developing countries where the birth rate is much higher and medical services are much poorer than rich 'Western' societies.

Only very few international organisations support the care of disabled children, and these are mostly charities supporting a few communities in poor countries. The families, physicians and physiotherapists taking care of these children are usually in a helpless situation. Their heroic efforts and the very little international charity does not help much to solve this worldwide human tragedy.

Educational support is the best solution. As a physician and a surgeon practicing in a developing country like Turkey, that lies in between the 'civilized' West and the 'underdeveloped' East, I have witnessed the immense need for modern medical knowledge in our region. The lack of information and resources have the greatest impact upon the disabled children who live in poor countries. They do not receive a minimum of the care that their peers in the West take for granted.

Seeing this urgent need for specific medical education my partner Dr. Nadire, me and the president of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) Dr. Mike Sussman organized a three days educational meeting in Istanbul in 2002.
Leon Root
Lynn Staheli
World famous experienced physicans from the USA and Europe came covering their costs themselves to give lectures.
This meeting instantly became a success because there was a great need in all the neighbouring countries. Other volunteer physicians from Greece, Lebanon, Israel, Poland, Russia, Armenia and Estonia took over and local meetings were organized every second year, which we also supported.
Our honorary leader Dr. Mike Sussman organized a meeting in China, and during our circumnavigation we had the chance to meet two family groups in Yogyakarta, Indonesia and Penang, Malaysia where we gave lectures and have seen patients
We wrote many books for the treatment and rehabilitation of disabled children.
Help Guide Book
Help Guide Book
Our English book 'The Help Guide to Cerebral Palsy' was downloaded millions of copies worldwide and was translated in many languages.