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Page 2 Adaptive Equipment for Cerebral PalsyAdaptive Equipment: Special equipment is also available for children with cerebral palsy. Because of the muscle problems children with cerebral palsy have, your child's doctor or therapist may recommend that they use some special equipment to help them get around or do everyday activities.
A Wheelchair is sometimes used when a child cannot walk. This will allow the child to move from one place to another. Many children with cerebral palsy can use their arms to roll the wheels of their wheelchair themselves, and can move around without much difficulty at all. There are also wheelchairs available that are motorized. This type of wheelchair has a motor that moves the wheels for the child. There may be a joystick on one arm rest that the child can operate on his or her own.
A Walker is a piece of equipment usually made out of light metal. It most often will have four legs that are adjustable in height. Some children with cerebral palsy can walk, but have poor balance and may fall. They use a walker to help them balance and get around without the use of a wheelchair. You may also see a walker with wheels on it, as well as a basket to put some of the child's belongs in.
Because of the fine motor problems often associated with cerebral palsy, children may have a hard time using utensils for eating. Special handles or grips are available for children who have trouble holding onto small objects, such as a fork or spoon. You may also find eating utensils that are specially designed for children with fine motor problems. They may be curved or bent, and are usually designed to fit the child's needs. Special grips and handles are also used on pencils and pens to make them easier for the child to hold and use.
Communication Aids are available for children who are hard to understand, or who have difficulty talking with others. A communication aid might be a book or poster with pictures that show things the child might want, or an alphabet board that the person can use to spell out their message. There are also computers that are used as communication aids that actually talk for the child.
Web Resources for Adaptive Equipment:
Welcoming All Children - University of South Dakota
Adaptive Equipment and Computing - UC Santa Barbara
Information Regarding Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act - US Dept. of Justice
Mobility Motoring Adaptive Equipment - Ford Motor Company
Adaptive Equipment - Google Search
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