Cerebral Palsy & Assistive Technology Devices

Cerebral palsy causes symptoms that can prevent a person from accessing the world how they would like. With the use of assistive technology, people with this disability will be able to do things that their bodies would have not allowed.

Identification

Cerebral palsy can affect a person's muscle tone. This can prevent a person from being able to move around, limiting her function in the world. Speech and the ability to swallow might also be affected.

Technology Overview

Assistive technology is any type of equipment that helps a person accomplish something that his body will not allow. It can be divided into two groups: low and high tech equipment. Low tech is simple adjustments or materials that can usually be made. High tech is more involved equipment that requires purchasing and training.

Low-tech Examples

By adding a wider handle to a fork or spoon, someone with difficulty gripping will be able to feed herself. A child who is unable to move anything but his eyes could look at one of two picture cards in order to make a choice on what to eat.

High-tech Examples

A wheelchair allowing a person mobility fits in this category. Augmentative communication devices with voice output that are much like computers allow people without a voice to have one.

Considerations

It is important to involve the person who the assistive technology is for in the decision-making process. This will guarantee that her priorities and needs are being met.

References

• Cerebral Palsy
• Assistive Technology for Children who have Cerebral Palsy: Augmentative Communication Devices
• AssistiveTechnology and Cerebral Palsy