If you’ve been reading this column awhile, you know I’ve been talking about physical therapy for a long time. We’ve talked about how powerful and beneficial it can be once you commit and check into the program. We’ve discussed building meaningful relationships with physical therapists, and…
Insomnia and sleep apnea can lead to premature births, researchers report, a fact that augments the prevalence of serious health-related issues in preterm babies, including cerebral palsy (CP). The study, “Sleep Disorder Diagnosis During Pregnancy and Risk of Preterm Birth,” was published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology.
As the summer closes, our attention turns toward school. School bags, pencils, crayons and other school supplies are at the forefront of parents’ and students’ minds. When the student has a disability, however, there are many other aspects to think through and be prepared to handle. If you…
A Canadian study identified a genetic link that may cause hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) in utero — while the fetus is developing. The study was a collaborative effort between many research scientists and clinicians in Ontario, Canada, and it was funded by the CP-NET (Childhood Cerebral Palsy Integrated Neuroscience Discovery…
As I say every year, I cannot believe how fast summer goes by, and I’m a mom of two. Back-to-school time always has me reflect on my own school days. Having cerebral palsy and going through the school system is quite an experience. For some, the school experience…
Earlier today, I was telling a story about how I rejected calling myself disabled for a long time. As fate would have it, The Mighty newsletter featured a post called, “When I Started Calling Myself Disabled.” Floored and completely interested, I read Holly Abel’s words. We…
Finding a job is a normal activity for most adults, because it’s essential to earn an income and be productive in society. When you have a disability, especially cerebral palsy, finding an employer to hire you isn’t easy. Hiding a physical disability is nearly impossible, and a…
The current cooling approach to limit death and brain disorders — such as cerebral palsy — in infants deprived of oxygen during birth is the safest and should not be changed, researchers argue with the results of a clinical trial in hand. The study found that infants who were treated with…
Someone once said to me that my life was very easy. I looked at them with a puzzled expression because, although I’m not one to complain, easy isn’t how I would describe my life. I asked them for clarification on why they would say that. Their explanation was quite…
Have you checked out your wheelchair lately? July is the month to make it beautiful to match your personality, because it is National Wheelchair Beautification Month. Time to show off your style along with your unique taste. Illustrator and wheelchair-user Horace Knowles had the idea…