What Is Celebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills. It hinders the body’s ability to move in a coordinated way and can also affect other body functions that involve motor skills and muscles, like breathing, eating, and talking. CP is often caused by damage to certain parts of the brain that happens before or during a child’s birth, or during the first 3-to-5 years of a child’s life.
People with Cerebral Palsy usually have multiple disabilities:
- a physical impairment, such as difficulty walking, grasping, holding or carrying.
- a speech impairment: difficulty with speaking and expressing themselves
- depending on what part of the brain is affected, this can also lead to other issues, like difficulties with sight, hearing, and/or learning.
An attitudinal barrier that people with Cerebral Palsy face is that people assume they have an intellectual impairment (because of speech challenges) while some may think that they are drunk.Â
There are also different levels of Cerebral Palsy (mild, moderate, severe). Some people with Cerebral Palsy can walk without assistive devices, but some may need to use a wheelchair.
Early detection and intervention of Cerebral Palsy is very important. Cerebral Palsy cannot be cured, but physiotherapy and speech therapy early in life are very important for the development of a child with cerebral palsy.
How to refer to a person with celebral Palsy
Because people with Cerebral Palsy often present with physical impairments, the same terminologies as explained in the Physical Impairments section apply. Raising awareness on the condition and breaking down myths is very necessary and key to their inclusion in all aspects of community life.
Remember to ask for the respectful word to refer to individuals with celebral Palsyin your local language.
Remember, to use person first language: Instead of calling one by their condition, prioritize the individual and use their names.
Most importantly, ask the person with celebral palsy which terms they prefer.
General tips on how to include people with celebral palsy
- Allow time for the person to speak. They may speak slower than you are used to.
- Avoid the urge to interrupt or complete the sentence for the person.
- Do not take over the conversation.
- If you do not understand what the person said, ask for repetition.
- Do not pretend you have understood if you haven’t.
- Ask if there is somebody close by who may be able to interpret.
- If despite all you are unsuccessful, explore alternative means of communication such as texting or use of gestures, and signs, among others.
- Most importantly, ask someone themselves how they want to be addressed, and how they want to be supported.
Specific tips on how to include people with celebral palsy in education/training and employment
- Allow enough time for the participant / colleague to ask questions, and complete assignments
- A participant or colleague with Cerebral Palsy may need to use assistive devices (such as a walker wheel, calipers or wheelchair). Where needed, find out and refer them to service providers of assistive devices/ mobility aids.
- Ensure that the learning and work environment is obstacle-free and physically accessible.
- Have a discussion with the learner / colleague and find out how to support them.
- Explore flexible training arrangements where possible and applicable.
- Encourage peer support as much as possible.
- Raise awareness amongst learners and colleagues about cerebral palsy