Assistive Technology Needs of Children With Cerebral Palsy

Assistive technology such as wheelchairs can provide access and mobility.

Children with cerebral palsy often spend a large part of their day in school. Assistive technology that is properly chosen can provide them with many of the same opportunities that their peers have.

Identification

Children with cerebral palsy can have mild to severe symptoms that affect muscle tone, movement, and oral motor skills such as swallowing and speaking.

Mobility

Being able to move through their environment allows children with cerebral palsy to participate fully in activities with their peers. Wheelchairs, walkers, and accessible areas can make this possible.

Communication

In school and other environments, students need the ability to make their wants and needs known to those around them.They also need to participate in activities with others. Many augmentative communication devices allow someone with even the most severe symptoms to have a voice.

Accessibility

Technology is available to give students access to materials that they might not be able to utilize normally. For example, flipping pages in a book can present problems for someone with limited muscle control. Scanning pages onto a computer and using an adapted keyboard can allow the student to access the information.

Misconceptions

Cerebral palsy does not get better over time. The symptoms remain stable, but other conditions such as a seizure disorder can affect symptoms.

References

• Cerebral palsy: Symptoms
• Assistive Technology