Opinion: children with cerebral palsy should be able to receive all the same opportunities for child development as their peers
Cerebral palsy is the most common type of physical disability in the world. In Ireland, over 100 children are born with it each year. Here's a snapshot of some positive progress in the area, followed by some practical ideas we can all get on board with.
Cerebral palsy varies hugely in severity, from a child that has a slight limp to a child that is a full-time wheelchair user and has medical and other challenges. The charity model of disability which sees these children as 'victims of circumstances’ worthy of our pity is becoming a thing of the past. Instead, the rights-based model of disability is paving the way for these children to claim their rightful place at all tables.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, Della Kilroy speaks to the family of a boy with cerebral palsy who are appealing to the Government to help fund a specially adapted wheelchair accessible vehicle
Role models with cerebral palsy are emerging in all professions, from medicine to the entertainment industry. With the world celebrating diversity more than ever before, there has never been a better time for children with physical disabilities to reach for their dreams.
In the past, many people thought that someone who happened to use a wheelchair couldn’t speak or understand what’s being said. We now know it's just as likely that people with cerebral palsy have an average IQ as not, so better to assume you’re talking to a peer unless you’re told differently".
When there is a physical concern about a child’s development, we understandably run the risk of obsessing over those physical needs to the detriment of other areas. As communities, our challenge is to ensure that these children receive all the opportunities for child development as their peers despite physical differences.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Ray D'Arcy Show, Paddy Smyth of First Dates fame talks about dating with a disability and life with cerebral palsy
Always consult with the child’s healthcare providers who can provide specific advice about the child and give advice on specific programmes. Here are three ways all of us can support the child to get more involved in the local community.
Improve their skills
Goal setting works. Whether it’s a goal for home, school or sport, goals must be chosen by the child and family and relate to real ways the child wants to get involved eg play hurling with a team (not merely stand on one leg for 5 seconds)
Practice doesn’t make perfect, but the RIGHT practice makes perfect. The child needs to actively practice the actual task they wish to achieve. For example, if they want to get better at handwriting, they practice the motor skill of handwriting. They don’t hope that by spending hours strengthening their hand muscles this will automatically happen.
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From RTÉ 2fm's Tubridy Show in 2014, Ryan talks to Lee Ridley, a comedian with cerebral palsy, who uses an electrionic device to communicate
Anything they do in real-life situations at home, school or sportsground transfers much more successfully to everyday life. For example, if the child wants to become independent in dressing, they complete increasing amounts of their dressing tasks at home each morning before school. Practicing these skills once a week in a clinic setting is much less effective. Remember it can take time to improve a child’s skills.
Modify the task
Modify the activity the child is doing so it’s a better match for their abilities. For example, teach them to touch type or use voice activation software instead of handwriting. Technology and the use of adaptive equipment works, and can result in immediate improvements in the child’s participation.
Change the environment
The way we design our homes, schools, playgrounds and even cities has a profound effect on these children’s participation. Removing physical barriers so the child can access all areas of their school or club dressing room can again result in immediate independence for the child.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Ryan Tubridy Show, Terry and Pauline O'Neill talk about the inclusive playground in the Crann centre in Cork
Leaders are emerging in this field with state of the art, inclusive playgrounds slowly beginning to emerge around the country. Playgrounds at Crann in Cork and Mungret in Limerick are two great examples. National guidelines recommend children are physically active at a moderate to vigorous level for at least 60 minutes every day. Children with disabilities are encouraged to be as active as the disability allows them to be to try to meet those guidelines.
Irish sports organisations have to be commended for their growing enthusiasm in setting up fun, inclusive sporting environments. There are increasing opportunities coming available through Special Olympics, Football for All, GAA for All and IRFU Disability Rugby to name a few.
As parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, coaches and community members, we are all potential powerhouses and advocates for these children. The last word goes to an expert, a parent of a child with cerebral palsy. "He needs to build resilience and learn how to self-advocate. When playing with him, I allow him to lead and encourage him to take control, hoping each day when he leaves the house he’ll find the support he needs. It’s true it takes a village to rear a child".
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
