March is so much more than spring break and UT’s Round Up! March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, and March 25th is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day!
What is Cerebral Palsy you ask? According to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, “Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term that refers to a group of disorders affecting a person’s ability to move. It is due to damage to the developing brain either during pregnancy or shortly after birth. Cerebral palsy affects people in different ways and can affect body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture, and balance. Although cerebral palsy is a permanent life-long condition, some of these signs of cerebral palsy can improve or worsen over time. People who have cerebral palsy may also have visual, learning, hearing, speech, epilepsy and intellectual impairments.”
CP is a PHYSICAL disability, although other impairments, such as intellectual disabilities, can accompany CP.
Ultimately, CP is different for everyone! CP can affect how someone walks, talks, or even both! For those who need communication assistance, there are many options today. From eye tracking devices to electronic communication boards to even iPads. There are many devices to serve a wide range of people with CP. In addition, people with CP often times need assistance with walking. They can be assisted by a walker, wheelchair, braces, etc.
Here’s some more info about CP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XH0WPasBzQ
Also, check out this video featuring RJ Mitte of ‘Breaking Bad’ on Living with Cerebral Palsy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc-cbcJVw00