Our Stories - Maya's Story
Children with mobility problems have achieved remarkable results at the Craighalbert Centre in Cumbernauld.
Through exercise, playing games and treating the child as a whole person, Craighalbert staff encourage children to develop their self-help skills and independence.
One Edinburgh mother was keen for her daughter to sample the Craighalbert experience before she returned to her mainstream school after the summer holidays.
Eight-year-old Maya has central hypotonia and a progressive spinal disease which means she must wear a spinal brace at all times.
The Teddy Bear Foundation was happy to pay for a two-week residential stay at Craighalbert, with Maya accompanied by her mum, Nicola.
She said:"I don't have the ability to provide this level of help at home.
"Being here allows her to practice different things; it seems to give her a lot more confidence and independence." Maya normally walks with the aid of a K Walker and leg splints but at Craighalbert, she was giving her best shot at using a couple of sticks to get around the grounds.
Head of Outreach at Craighalbert, Alison Philipps, explained how staff try to help children like Maya.
She said:"We all move our body subconsciously but what Maya needs to do is learn to move consciously.
"She has to think about and plan every movement before she does it.
"It's a complex process but one we try to help her master."
Maya enjoying the Craighalbert Experience
