What You Need to Know:
- Academically and socially, Odoch excelled, enhancing his self-assurance significantly.
- Odlož claims that more needs to be done to raise awareness about cerebral palsy.
Emmy Odoch, a communications associate at Nation Media Group, has built a career that reflects his passions for reading, writing, and technology. He also co-owns Brave Home Solutions Limited, a cleaning business in Gulu City, where he has successfully demonstrated that children with cerebral palsy have the potential to achieve their goals.
Odoch was born with cerebral palsy, which presented challenges in her mobility, overall posture, verbal communication, and hearing abilities.
My parents, who are both medical workers, particularly my mother, made sure I had access to education and became who I am today," he says. "She told me about the physical therapy sessions and hospital visits, and even our family photos show the story,
He didn’t begin attending school at the same time as his age mates. Nevertheless, he completed kindergarten through homeschooling, then started in Primary One with his peers from the same age group. His parents informed his teachers about his needs, ensuring a safer and more welcoming classroom environment.
“He remembers schoolmates not being aware of his condition even back then.”
I occasionally missed out on the extra support I needed to fully understand the lesson materials.
Friends played a vital part in his life. "They look at me differently and have always been attentive to my communication needs, patiently listening and encouraging me," he shares. Their support went beyond the classroom, enabling him to succeed socially and physically. "I joined in football games, which improved my physical development. In time, I even participated in a notable local tournament for children," he adds.
Academically and socially, Odoch excelled, building up his confidence. “It changed how I internally perceived myself, especially during moments of self-doubt,” he reflects.
His leadership at Brave Home Solutions is proof of his abilities. “My colleagues gave me room to flourish and assisted me when I needed it, while still maintaining the respect due to my position as their superior,” he says.
He is also grateful for completing his internship at St. Jude Children's Home in Gulu, where he worked in the agricultural department. The home provides care for children with special needs, and he was deeply moved by their stories. He distinctly remembers encountering a mother whose child was unable to sit or speak. "When I informed her that I share a similar condition, she was amazed but became more determined. It made her realize that her child could also lead a better life," he states.
Odoch believes that additional efforts must be made to increase awareness about cerebral palsy.
He states that with proper support, children who are born with it have the potential to live meaningful lives, give back to their communities, and reach their full capacity.