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Home » Consumer Information » Children with Disabilities » Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy's Effect on Education

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) cannot attend a regular school without the availability of specialized services suited to their individual needs. Thankfully, the federal government mandates that all states provide funding to support disabled children.

Early intervention services are offered for children with CP as old as three, and staff members will collaborate with the child's family to construct an Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP). The IFSP outlines the child's needs and the as well as the appropriate course of action to address them. In addition, the IFSP trains family members how to care for the disabled child. The cost of early intervention services may be proportional to the family's household income.

For students old enough to attend school, special education and associated programs are the responsibility of the school district. Similar to the IFSP, school employees reach out to the child's parent to create and Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP also focuses on the child's requirements and the ideas implemented that will meet them. Special education and therapeutic services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology are a part of the curriculum free of charge.

Besides special education, therapy, and equipment designed to simplify their lives, children with CP may also need assistive technology such as:

  • Communicative devices -- can be basic or advanced. For instance, a communication board contains removable pictures, signs, letters, or words that can be manipulated. The child will point or stare at particular pieces to get their point across. High-tech augmentative communication devices feature voice synthesizers that allow a child to "speak" to others. Using a digital touchscreen with pictures and symbols like the communication board, whatever the child points to will be spoken through the machine.
  • Computer technology -- includes electronic interactive toys and complex computer software controlled by joysticks and modified keyboards.

It is astonishing how the human brain is capable of adapting to a child's depreciated abilities following an injury. However, anticipating what your child's future will be like with CP can be very hard on parents. Productive therapy sessions and treatment definitely eases the transition, but the love and support of friends and family, along with normal childhood experiences is the most beneficial ingredient of all. With the proper balance of care, equipment, time, and accommodations, any child with CP can turn their lives into a success story.

Schools are mandated to provide special services to students with CP, but what happens when the child goes home? It can be rather costly for parents to offer similar amenities, and there could be government funding to help your child's cause. Contact a social security disability lawyer to find out what you may be entitled to.