The Winter Paralympics is a great opportunity to learn about the many adaptive recreational and competitive sports for individuals with cerebral palsy.
The Cerebral Palsy Foundation has created a checklist to help guide you in living the healthiest life possible. This checklist has been created for adults with cerebral palsy to provide basic guidance surrounding routine and additional screenings that should occur as part of your primary and preventive care.
![Photo of 4 men: From left to right - Black man, smiling wearing a black turleneck and camo pants seated in a wheelchair next to a white man leaning over smiling with dark hair wearing camo, next to an asian man with dark hair standing, smiling in black turtleneck, next to a white man seated wearing a black turtleneck and camo pants seated in a wheelchair.](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2022-02/3.png?h=ea13d641&itok=NhXJgr_T)
Individuals with disabilities have opportunities to work, receive employment training and coaching, benefits counseling and save money without losing means tested benefits. This podcast discusses these options.
![Sarah Storck on left with long blond hair wearing glasses and a brown shirt, David Stoner on right with dark hair in a wheelchair wearing a blue shirt](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2021-10/CPresource%20Listing%20Images.jpeg?h=f575c11c&itok=UqYjPYbt)
Students with disabilities often need extra support throughout the day to access their environment, the academic materials, and learn alongside their peers. A Personal Care Attendant in the school setting is often utilized to support the students needs.
![Graphic of a teacher in front of a chalk board with a child in a wheelchair observing](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2021-08/Personal%20Care%20Attendant%3A%20TA%20for%20the%20School.jpg?h=fa288499&itok=-OEyKmPL)
Children and teens with cerebral palsy and other disabilities may need the assistance of an individual who has a background in healthcare and the skills to provide the services essential to quality care.
![Photo of two young men in blue shirts sitting next to each other outdoors, one is in a wheelchair wearing a Mardi Gras mask and waving.](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2021-07/PCA%20Illo.jpg?h=d0470b75&itok=W0cRb9Hc)
An employment agreement spells out the rules, rights and responsibilities for both the Personal Care Attendant (the employee) and the individual with cerebral palsy or family who is hiring the Personal Care Attendant.
![Photo of hands shaking.](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2021-07/IMG_1080.jpeg?h=d318f057&itok=s5vTHWyT)
Wouldn’t it be great if inclusive, accessible playgrounds were in every community for all to enjoy? Although progress is being made in certain areas, there is a lot more work to be done to literally level the playing field and help communities and designers understand what makes an inclusive accessible playground and why they are important for people of all abilities.
![Smiling boy in yellow adaptive swing](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2021-06/adaptive%20playgrounds.jpg?h=4eadde09&itok=3RdqD_UD)
We rely on assistive technology for everything from holding utensils better to using a complex communication device. Makers Making Change is helping to create both custom and affordable assistive tech for all abilities and needs.
![Photo of Noam Platt wearing a blue sport coat and tie.](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2021-06/noam.jpg?h=2adfecdf&itok=R5lqHkTW)
LittleWins harnesses the power of community to empower people with disabilities with the tools they need to thrive! From buying, selling, and donating medical equipment and supplies, to obtaining needed information and connecting with others – LittleWins is the one-stop community resource for families, parents, caregivers, in-home nurses, and all people with disabilities.
![Purple Logo Little Wins](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2021-06/Screen%20Shot%202021-06-04%20at%2010.53.39%20AM.png?h=14498633&itok=ZoQRZhcF)
Frame Running is becoming increasingly popular as a recreational and competitive sport for individuals with cerebral palsy across all GMFCS levels. Tune in to learn more!
![Woman in green shirt and black pants running next to a young boy in an orange shirt in a frame runner](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2021-05/IMG_4234.jpg?h=a1e1a043&itok=NdNuOwuS)
On this episode, I have the honor of talking with Wendy Pierce, MD, a pediatric physiatrist at Colorado Children's Hospital about physiatry, also known as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. This fantastic field of medicine can be helpful for individuals with cerebral palsy across with lifespan, but it has a confusing name and sometimes a confusing job description. So we set out to help listeners better understand what a physiatrist does.
![Photo of Wendy Pierce wearing a dark tan sweater on a light tan background](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2021-04/Screen%20Shot%202021-04-19%20at%2010.22.26%20AM.png?h=354054f4&itok=AI6_8gox)
On this episode I talk with two of the world’s leading researchers… Dr. Madison Paton and Dr. Iona Novak on stem cell treatment for cerebral palsy. Stem Cells have been a hot topic in Cerebral Palsy for at least 15 years now, with many parents and researchers hoping that at the least, stem cells will lessen the impact of CP and at most hold the key to a cure. Dr. Paton and Dr. Novak will share their insider knowledge into this subject and help us sort through the hype and so we can hold onto our hope.
![Photo of Madison Paton wearing a yellow sweater and Iona Novak wearing a black shirt on a grey background](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2021-04/Feb%20Headshot%20Cropped%202020%20PATON%20copy.jpg?h=f060bebc&itok=7ee1XZiO)
On this episode with Dr. Amy Bailes, we discuss the Gross Motor Functional Classification System (the GMFCS), the Gross Motor Functional Measure (the GMFM), and the corresponding motor curves. The GMFCS is an important classification system that is relatively easy to understand and it helps create a shared language and framework for understanding a person with CP’s physical function. This can be very helpful for patients, families and providers of all sorts, especially as it relates to both and acceptance and understanding of the diagnosis and family-centered shared decision making.
![Photo of Amy Bailes in a black shirt on a black background](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2021-04/DA200841%20resized.jpg?h=be94a382&itok=i78LDOC0)
In this episode, Mary Gannotti, PhD, PT, discusses fitness, health and function across the lifespan for individuals with cerebral palsy.
![Photo of Mary Ganotti in a red shirt with a black sport coat on a grey background](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2021-04/Screen%20Shot%202020-03-23%20at%2010.39.07%20AM.png?h=0a42a262&itok=boqSujDH)
In this first episode, listeners will meet the host, Jen, learn about her background, her son, Bower, and the reason for creating this podcast. Enjoy!
![Photo of Jen Lyman in a green wig and and a mardi gras mask](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2021-04/51563412_10156910399508704_4430144687197650944_n_10156910399503704.jpg?h=93fa4828&itok=mw4vFltj)
Drooling is an important problem for many individuals with CP and there are a number of interventions available to treat symptoms. If an individual with CP or their caregiver have concerns about drooling it is important to discuss with a health care provider. Care pathways such as the AACPDM pathway can be a starting point for shared decision making. In all cases, working together as a team is important in choosing the best alternative. Children and adults with CP may have trouble with drooling, or saliva management. In the medical world, drooling is referred to as sialorrhea. Saliva plays an important role in eating but also can interfere with airway clearance and breathing, as well as social participation. When drooling has this kind of impact it becomes important to consider intervention.
![Photo of a young man in a blue shirt, wearing dark sunglasses with yellow rims reclining in a wheelchair with a batman printed neck pillow around his neck. He is in a hospital room and has a feeding tube attached to the wheelchair.](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2021-04/Aiden%20illo.jpg?h=9b5f3680&itok=tIhQTISC)
Our 3rd Virtual Town Hall featured experts from the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab and Northwestern University in Chicago. This multi-disciplinary panel discussion highlights the latest updates in care of children with #CerebralPalsy.
![Shirley Ryan Ability Lab written in Orange Lettering over Northwestern University Written in Purple Lettering](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2021-04/Shirley%20Ryan%20AbilityLab%20northwestern%20COMBO%20logo_1.5x1.5.png?h=7d66a0c3&itok=UubRi172)
This podcast is a place for conversations with experts about issues related to cerebral palsy that affect health, fitness, function and participation. We will cover a range of topics including: treatments and therapies, nutrition, neuroplasticity, genetics, exercise and fitness, adaptive sports, accessibility, and new trends.
![Photo of Jennifer Lyman and her son with the copy Cerebral Palsy Health by Jennifer Lyman across to the top of the image](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2020-07/episode-1-KQ8uIrgoxeZ-VDh0pQr5J2H.300x300.jpg?h=6c83441f&itok=_Scj1p5L)
It is recommended that women start having mammography screenings starting at about the age of 40, and it becomes more difficult to obtain these services if you have a disability.
![A screenshot for breast health](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2020-06/Screen%20Shot%202020-06-29%20at%2011.49.54%20PM.png?h=c5f3803a&itok=z0hkWLWj)
When it comes to preparing your child for Botulinum Toxin injections, the first most important thing to remember is to know your child.
![Infographic with purple background written in bold font with the words how to prepare your child for botulinum toxin injections](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2020-03/Screen%20Shot%202020-03-03%20at%2012.01.32%20PM.png?h=88c402ce&itok=cYLOTlzN)
Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the infant brain. This damage can involve not only the motor parts of the brain, but also the parts that deal with vision. This is not related to damage to the eye but is related to damage of the parts of the brain that process visual information.
![Representation of an infant seated near a lamp](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2020-06/Vision%20in%20infants.png?h=bf336fe8&itok=HVYa3n2N)
The findings of this article demonstrate the need for improved screening rates in women with CP, and highlight areas for improving their screening experience.
![Icon of microscope against documents against gray background](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2019-10/research_icon.jpg?h=5d17eac3&itok=FCVaYXh0)
Spasticity is a condition of muscles that is a velocity resistance to stretch. What that means to a child and to a parent is that if you move the limb slowly, you have a difference than if you move that limb fast. Spasticity restricts movement and it creates a break on the system. It's as if they're trying to move, but they're held back. By treating spasticity, you may improve the range of motion or the action of the movement.
![Photo of Dr. Deborah Gaebler Spira](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2019-10/Screen%20Shot%202019-10-06%20at%208.42.04%20PM.png?h=270264b5&itok=QrY6Rzvi)
Children with cerebral palsy experience brain damage around birth or before birth. So the language of the brain in other words, the way they will move, will be different from typical movements. So by looking at their movements, we will understand that there is something that is wrong in the brain.
![Four babies moving their limbs against a teal background to represent general movements assessments](/sites/www/files/styles/small_landscape_12x7/public/2019-10/experts_generalassesments.jpg?h=5199961b&itok=GKEvLCpD)