Physical+Impairments

= Cerebral Palsy =

Cerebral Palsy is an umbrella term used to describe ** a group of disorders affecting body movement and muscle coordination **. It is caused by an abnormality of the developing brain, which interferes with messages from brain to body. The majority of cases are caused before birth because of various reasons, such as:  A smaller number of cases are caused after birth because of injury or infection.
 * abnormal development of the brain due to trauma or infection
 * poor nutrition
 * a damaged placenta that may interfere with fetal growth
 * exposure to toxic substances

In this video, Dr. Lucinda Carr elucidates causes and effects of the condition.

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There are different degrees of severity for cerebral palsy. Some people experience only a slight awkwardness of movement, whereas others can completely lose control of their muscles, affecting speech and movement. But remember, people can still feel the limbs, they just cannot move them. Medically, it is important to know that:
 * it is NOT contagious
 * it is NOT hereditary
 * it is NOT life-threatening

=What should teachers know? = Teachers should be aware of different side effects of the condition. Those with Cerebral Palsy may experience difficulties, such as: However, we should also be aware that it is non-progressive, but the effects may change over time. Some people may experience improvement, whereas others might suffer from tightness of muscles or abnormal posture because of lack of exercise.
 * difficulty eating [[image:cerebral.jpg width="182" height="215" align="right" caption="(image accessed at http://advocacy.britannica.com/blog/advocacy/wp-content/uploads/service-dog.jpg)"]]
 * poor bladder and bowel control
 * breathing problems
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">seizures
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">learning disabilities or developmental delay

Here are some key elements to minimizing the negative effects that cerebral palsy can have:
 * 1) <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">** Keep a positive attitude. ** A good sense of self-esteem is required to cope with the condition and prejudice and teasing can be very damaging. However, remember not to overprotect! Students should be given the tools to succeed independently and not become too dependent on others.
 * 2) <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">** Create open access. ** Make sure that there is room for the child to move around and to access different learning materials on their own.
 * 3) <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">** Maintain physical health. ** People with the condition need to have an active exercise regiment and proper nutrition to life a healthy lifestyle. Create physical activities that are inclusive and allow everyone to participate.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">In terms of physical support, teachers should:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Learn the correct way for the student to sit upright in a chair or wheelchair
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Be aware of how to use adaptive equipment (e.g.: prone standers)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Consult physical therapists and parents to understand the condition particular to the child

=<span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; text-align: center;">Modifications and Accommodations = <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">In order to accommodate students with cerebral palsy, teachers should:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">remove items in the classroom that might provide mobility problems
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">allow extra time for students to move from one location to the next
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Make assistive technology available (e.g.: computers that are equipped with expanded keyboards) for note taking or generating written products
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Consider using different communication techniques to make sure you are heard and understood (speaking at an appropriate volume, providing overheads and written instructions, etc.)

=<span style="background-color: #ffff00; color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; text-align: center;">Wheelchairs in the Classroom = <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;"> Whether your student is in a wheelchair because of Cerebral Palsy, or another condition or injury, it is important to know how to accommodate his or her needs. <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">The first thing to consider is the physical space of the classroom <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">. Ask yourself, <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;"> Teachers should also be <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">aware of their attitudes <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;"> toward students in wheelchairs. While it is important to be supportive, we must remember not to single the student out or make them feel like an outsider in the classroom. Here are some handy tips:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">are there clear pathways for the student to take so that he or she might manoeuver easily around the class?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">are there objects in the way that might impede movement?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;"> Do not assume that the student requires assistance. Always ask before giving help so that the student feels more independent. Think about establishing a sign the student can use when he or she needs help in a one on one conversation (e.g.: raising your hand and making a fist)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">If you are talking to the student for more than a minute or two, kneel down so that you are at eye level with them.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Do not pat the student on the head or shoulder (it can be patronizing).
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Talk to parents and discuss background information about the student's needs

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Sometimes it is up to teachers to help push a wheelchair. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">It is important to walk at a medium pace, while keeping your back straight and bending your knees. However, if you come across any obstacles, here are some suggestions as to how to push...

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">
 * If there are curbs or steps, the teacher should:** [[image:wheelchair-curb.gif align="right"]]
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">pause when you arrive at the curb
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">tilt the wheelchair back to the balance point
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">when stabilized, move toward the curb until the back wheels touch the curb and the front wheels can rest on the raised area
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">move close to the chair and lift it by the handles to bring the back wheels onto the curb
 * If you are going down a steep incline, you can**:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">take the wheelchair down backward
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">look backward occasionally and do not let the wheelchair pick up too much speed
 * Over rough terrain or a raised area, you can:** [[image:wheelchair_safety2.gif align="right" caption="images accessed at http://www.phc-online.com/Wheelchair-Safety_a/136.htm"]]
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">tilt the wheelchair by stepping down on tipping lever with your foot as you pull down on the handgrips
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">continue to tilt the chair back until you reach the balance point
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">push the chair when it is stabilized
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">lower the wheelchair slowly when you are over the raised area

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Remember that the most important accommodation is inclusion! Make sure the other students are informed about wheelchair safety and respectful to those in the classroom who have exceptionalities.