What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder that affects muscle tone, movement,

and motor skills (the ability to move in a coordinated and purposeful way).
CP is usually caused by brain damage that occurs before or during a childs
birth, or during the first 3 to 5 years of a childs life.
The brain damage that leads to cerebral palsy can also lead to other
health issues, including vision, hearing, speech problems, and learning
disabilities. Therefore, not two people with cerebral palsy are the same.
Students with cerebral palsy intelligence can range from superior to mentally
handicapped.
There is no cure for CP, but treatment, special equipment, and, in some
cases, surgery can help a child who is living with the condition.

What is Spastic Quadriplegia?

Spastic- causes stiffness within the muscles making movement

difficult.
Quadriplegia- refers to both legs and arms being affected.

Common Difficulties

Impaired speech.
Impaired visual.
Difficulties holding pens or pencils.
Fine motor weaknesses (small muscle movements).
Gross motor weaknesses (large muscle movements).
Easily tires.
Movements are slower.
Difficulty copying materials from the board.

Classroom Strategies

Always see and encourage the potential ability of the student.

Allow short rest periods during each class.
Adapt physical requirements in activities.
Allow additional time in getting to alternative locations.
Seat student close to the board.
Provide a copy of notes.
Allow assignments to be typed.
Reduce written requirements.
Provide alternatives to presentations.
Place in socially acceptable peer working groups.

Extended timelines.
***For additional information visit:
http://www.canchild.ca/en/childrenfamilies/cerebralpalsy.asp