Cerebral palsy brings out the worst in even the common cold. Since I was a little girl, I’ve seemed to catch colds easily. I need many people to assist me with my personal care, and with that additional contact comes extra germs that can lead to illness. Colds aren’t pleasant…
To advance its mission to improve the lives of cerebral palsy (CP) patients and their families, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation has awarded researchers nearly $16,000 in small grants in 2019. The funding will go toward researcher training, equipment, and travel to multiple under-served countries to…
I recently read a column from a few years ago about a woman with a disability who was told by TSA agents at an airport that she should be happy her husband chose to marry her. Sadly, even though we’re living in the 21st century, people with disabilities still…
Employment is a huge obstacle for people with disabilities. I struggled with finding a job immediately after graduating from college. Discrimination is real when it comes to disability — please don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I have cerebral palsy and have no way to hide it. A physical disability…
A prototype of a portable data logger that can be attached to a wheelchair’s control mechanism may lead to tailored training and safer wheelchair use for people with dyskinetic cerebral palsy, according to a recent study. The results, “Development of a Data Logger for Capturing Human-Machine Interaction in…
An analysis of the body movement as toddlers with cerebral palsy walked found that an unusual, external rotation to the pelvis contributed to an abnormal walking pattern, and may be due to difficulties in motor control. These results point to beginning rehabilitation at an early age…
Chris Olver, a nonprofit leader with extensive fundraising experience and a former filmmaker and executive leader, is the new appointed executive director for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (CPARF), the foundation has announced. “Chris brings a special medley of skills, longtime nonprofit experience, and passion that will…
Patients and caregivers at a recent educational forum hosted by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) learned about therapeutic options in cerebral palsy (CP) and advances in research. The event was presented by the UCLA’s Orthopaedic Institute for Children’s (OIC) Center for Cerebral Palsy, and…
A screening test that evaluates the function of facial muscles that control breathing and chewing may be a valuable tool to assess children with cerebral palsy, a Turkish study suggests. The study, “Assessment of orofacial dysfunction using the NOT-S method in a group of Turkish children with…
The amount of rehabilitation therapy given children with cerebral palsy has a small effect on their developmental outcomes, while therapy that is family-centered and focused on a child’s well-being and specific tasks seems to help, a study reports. “Physical, occupational, and speech therapy for children with cerebral palsy”…