How to Use Technology to Help Cope With Cerebral Palsy

Assistive technology can help people cope with cerebral palsy by improving communication and promoting independence. There are devices to help people function more easily anywhere they need it, whether it's at school, work, or home. Constantly improving technology is making strides to make a difference in peoples' lives.

Instructions

Choose Assistive Technology to Help Cope With Cerebral Palsy

• 1

  Choose Assistive Technology (AT) to help people with cerebral palsy communicate and be more independent. AT devices include computers to facilitate speech and learning, specialized wheelchairs, walkers and quadrapedal canes that help with mobility and Velcro grips for pens and forks to make day-to-day tasks easier.

• 2

  Use augmentative communication devices to improve communication through the use of personalized communication boards, portable devices with pre-recorded messages, touch-screen menus and specialized keyboards that combine words and pictures to create sentences. Products such as Boardmaker, BIGmack, Dynavox and Delta Talker can help children participate in classroom activities and communicate with others.

• 3

  Improve communication with voice and speech synthesizers that convert text to speech by copying human voice characteristics.

• 4

  Strengthen spastic muscles through functional electrical stimulation administered to implanted devices on the skin's surface, or through injection of tiny microscopic devices that target specific muscles and nerves. The pulses can be delivered by remote control and can strengthen muscles in the hand, shoulder and ankle.

• 5

  Use biofeedback, which uses electronic signals to convey visual and auditory messages relaying information about muscle control, body functions and specific skills.

• 6

  Investigate low-tech devices, such as computer keyguards to make it easier to find the right computer keys, easy-to-use TV and stereo remote control devices, audio books and switches that can be controlled by feet, chin or head movements. Some devices can also be controlled by a light pointer attached to a headband.

• 7

  Apply for a low-interest assistive technology loan offered by many state agencies to cope with the expense of technological devices. A partial list of resources for assistive technology purchase loans and grants is available at the USA TechGuide website (see Resources below).

• 8

  Find a comprehensive list of assistive technology websites and resources at the Healing-Arts.org website and a list of technology resources by state at DisabilityInfo.gov (see Resources below).