Cerebral Palsy Zach Brennan Catherine Bartz Zach Brennan Catherine Bartz

What causes it? Brain damage usually due to inadequate amounts of oxygen- mostly occurs before birth, but some cases occur during and after birth CP affects muscle coordination and body movement Brain damage usually due to inadequate amounts of oxygen- mostly occurs before birth, but some cases occur during and after birth CP affects muscle coordination and body movement

Characteristics There is NOT a one-size-fits-all definition/list of characteristics of Cerebral Palsy CP disabilities can range from mild to severe Developmental delays (controlling head and other movements) Abnormal muscle tone and movements (spastic or relaxed) Inability to walk There is NOT a one-size-fits-all definition/list of characteristics of Cerebral Palsy CP disabilities can range from mild to severe Developmental delays (controlling head and other movements) Abnormal muscle tone and movements (spastic or relaxed) Inability to walk

Characteristics Cont. Skeletal deformities (shortened limbs) Seizures- affects about 1/3 of people with CP Speech issues Vision problems, Hearing loss, dental issues, bowel/bladder control issues, swallowing issues Cognitive issues (occasionally) Skeletal deformities (shortened limbs) Seizures- affects about 1/3 of people with CP Speech issues Vision problems, Hearing loss, dental issues, bowel/bladder control issues, swallowing issues Cognitive issues (occasionally)

Misconceptions People with CP ALL have cognitive problems CP is a disease All people with CP cannot live an independent life People with CP ALL have cognitive problems CP is a disease All people with CP cannot live an independent life

Accommodations Assistive technology can greatly help a student with CP –Wheelchairs for mobility –Augmentative communication device (for those who have difficulty speaking) –Apparatuses to help with mobility Giving extra time for the student during transition periods Assistive technology can greatly help a student with CP –Wheelchairs for mobility –Augmentative communication device (for those who have difficulty speaking) –Apparatuses to help with mobility Giving extra time for the student during transition periods

Accommodations Cont. Allow for alternate methods of assessment Consider grouping Full time aides to help with needs such as bathroom, recording answers to tests, lunch time, etc. Allow for alternate methods of assessment Consider grouping Full time aides to help with needs such as bathroom, recording answers to tests, lunch time, etc.

Curricular Modifications “Jess” is a bright student with CP. She has a moderate form of it that affects her daily life and school life. She has difficulty seeing and getting around the classroom. “Jess” also suffers from painful muscle cramps.

Curriculum Modifications Cont. There are many simple modifications to go along with accommodations to help “Jess.” Preferential seating to help with vision Seating also allows room for wheelchair Lessons can be recorded for her to take home Since she struggles with fine motor control, she is able to take her tests orally She is given breaks whenever needed to help with her muscle fatigue There are many simple modifications to go along with accommodations to help “Jess.” Preferential seating to help with vision Seating also allows room for wheelchair Lessons can be recorded for her to take home Since she struggles with fine motor control, she is able to take her tests orally She is given breaks whenever needed to help with her muscle fatigue

Additional Resources alth/PMH / - Pub Med Health ain/cerebral_palsy.html - Kids Health - Cerebral Palsy Organization - United Cerebral Palsy alth/PMH / - Pub Med Health ain/cerebral_palsy.html - Kids Health - Cerebral Palsy Organization - United Cerebral Palsy