| Parents of children with cerebral palsy are no | | | | falling and becoming hurt. Walkers provide balance |
| strangers to the use of adaptive equipment - it's | | | | and freedom of movement without the restraints |
| needed on a regular basis to help special needs kids | | | | associated with the use of a wheelchair. Some |
| with mobility and other challenges. In addition to a | | | | walkers even come with wheels and a basket to hold |
| loving support system and devoted family and | | | | belongings. |
| caregivers, adaptive equipment is an important part | | | | Children with cerebral palsy oftentimes have trouble |
| of raising a child with cerebral palsy. | | | | with fine motor skills. As a result, using utensils can be |
| Children with cerebral palsy have muscle problems, so | | | | difficult. Luckily, special handles and grips are available |
| the most common type of adaptive equipment put | | | | that make it possible for kids to hold onto small |
| to use is designed to help them move from one | | | | items, including forks and spoons. Some companies |
| place to another and carry out normal activities. | | | | even manufacture actual eating utensils designed for |
| For instance, for children who can't walk a wheelchair | | | | people with fine motor problems. These are curved |
| is a necessary piece of equipment. A wheelchair is | | | | or bent to make them easier to use. Pencils and pens |
| ideal if you want your child to enjoy the freedom of | | | | may come with grips and handles to make them |
| being able to move around unaided. Many kids who | | | | easier to hold and employ. |
| lack the ability to walk can still use their arms to roll | | | | Sometimes communication can also be a problem |
| the wheels of the chair without any assistance, and | | | | with cerebral palsy. For kids who are difficult to |
| find it quite easy to move themselves around | | | | understand (and have trouble talking and |
| without any extra help. If this is not possible, | | | | communicating with those around them) |
| however, motorized wheelchairs are on the market | | | | communication aids come in handy. Books and |
| that allows a child to move around independently | | | | posters with pictures may allow a child with cerebral |
| without use of the arms. A motor attached to the | | | | palsy to point out objects they want. In the same |
| wheelchair moves it around for the child. A child can | | | | vein, an alphabet board can assist children by allowing |
| control the wheelchair with the use of a joystick | | | | them to spell out messages. A computer device that |
| attached to one of the arm rests. | | | | talks for the child is another way for parents to open |
| A walker is another piece of adaptive equipment for | | | | up new avenues of communication. |
| children with cerebral palsy - it's usually made out of | | | | The adaptive equipment you require will depend on |
| light metal and has four adjustable legs. A walker | | | | your child's specific needs. Your physician and other |
| helps kids with cerebral palsy who are capable of | | | | caregivers in your child's life should be able to help |
| walking but suffer from poor balance. It's the perfect | | | | you discover what tools have the potential to work |
| way for a child to be mobile without as much risk of | | | | best in your situation. |