Equipment

Students with CP usually benefit from wooden puzzles, easy to grasp utensils, computers, touch screens, wheelchairs, big crayons, clipboards, key guards, larger buttons, and other adaptive equipment.

Braille

Make sure that everything you create for students is in Braille. If the visually impaired student is included, allow the other children feel the Braille and ask questions.

Toilet Use

Some people and children with physical disabilities have difficulty staying on the toilet. You can use grab bars or special seating for them to use. This will increase self esteem and independence.

Cures

Cerebral Palsy is not progressive, communicable, inherited or a primary cause of death. Nor is it "curable" in the accepted sense, although an individual with cerebral palsy often responds to training and therapies. It is not a disease and should never be referred to as such. It is a condition.

Books on Tape

Sometimes it can be difficult for a student to hold a book to read it. Luckily, they have books on tape for students to listen to instead of reading.

Make Room

Make sure that you make enough room so students who use wheelchairs, canes, walkers etc can move freely around the class.

Independence

Encourage students to be as independent as possible. Help them to find new ways to adapt for themselves.

Low Vision

Students with low vision learn by using magnified text, larger type font, and contrast enhanced. These students often work more slowly and have problems dealing with details.

Speech

Sometimes a student with CP will have speech impediments or be unable to speak. Encourage them in speech therapy or to use their communication device.

Books on Tape

Students with visual impairments can benefit from books on tape. More and more books can be found on tape so people can listen to them instead of reading it.

Types of CP

Types of CP include: spastic- stiff and difficult movement, athetoid-involuntary and uncontrolled movement, ataxic- disturbed sense of balance. Most people have a combination of the three.

Increased Spasms

Heat, new situations, stress, change of medicine, allergies, emotions, hormones, and sickness can affect CP. Someone might have more spasms or involuntary movements at this time. Never get angry at them for having a spasm.

Swimming

Swimming is a great exercise for children with cerebral palsy. It helps relax and strengthen the muscles.

Room Placement

Be sure to place students with visual impairments close to the front so they can hear you well, and if they can see, has an easier time seeing.

Pacing Work

If the student is weak from cancer or a heart condition, all you need to do is slow down your pace. Do a little work each time and give the child time to rest. Give them shorter work assignments and projects. Communicate with them, the child, and doctor to see how much is too much work.

Startle Reflex

Startle reflex is when someone jumps or has a spasm when there is a sudden sound or gesture. Many people with CP have this reflex so be careful not to make any sudden noises without warning the student first.

Self Esteem

Encourage students with CP to do their best academically, socially, and physically. Expect 200% from them.

Page Turners

Page turners are an automatic device that helps your student turn pages of a book. They can turn pages by hitting a button or using a joystick. It´s an excellent way to promote independence.

Drooling

Give a student who drools a lot a wrist band or bandana so they can wipe their mouth.

Massage

Massaging muscles can help lots for people with cerebral palsy. Muscles often become tight and massaging them can be a way to relax them.