This month we take a few moments to recognize Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. As with other disabilities, there are many misconceptions out there about having this disability. In this post, I’m going to try and dispel a few of them. While it might be a shock, or even a bit upsetting for a parent to find out their child has been diagnosed with this disability, it shouldn’t be seen as “the end of the world.”Believe it or not, there are many people with CP who live successful and fulfilling lives, despite their limitations. Early intervention is the best first step in the right direction. Different interventions can benefit the person through their early years, into adulthood and beyond. There are many adults who are doctors, parents and even movie stars that live with Cerebral Palsy.

Everyone needs help at one time or another in their lives. This is no different for someone with Cerebral Palsy. There are plenty of resources available and agencies to help along the way. Another thing is that Cerebral Palsy affects people differently. There have been many times where I’ve been told I don’t “look” or “sound” like I have Cerebral Palsy. I’m not sure exactly what they mean but, people with Cerebral Palsy may or may not fit what you “think” they “should” be like. The media is guilty of putting a “face” on a certain issue and sometimes people have a hard time getting those images out of their heads when someone says the words “Cerebral Palsy”. I’ve also had many medical professionals tell me I’m advanced. I don’t know that I’m advanced because I’m no medical professional. What I do know is that I’ve worked very hard, since I was very young, to overcome the limitations my disability tries to place in front of me.

All people with any disability really want is to have an opportunity to enjoy life like anyone else. Assistive technology helps us do just that. From mobility devices like wheelchairs and walkers that help us get around, to rocker knives and buttonhooks that help us independently feed and dress ourselves. The independence that’s gained from everyday things other people take for granted opens up our worlds. There’s an array of companies, organizations and pieces of equipment that make life that much more satisfying for someone with a disability

People say life is what you make of it. That’s also true about having Cerebral Palsy. There are plenty of ways to accomplish your goals in life. Making the most of advances in things like assistive technology and utilizing various resources, there’s really very little people can’t accomplish within their limitations. Don’t discount a person’s abilities because of their inability to do other things. No one really knows what they’re able to do until they try. The everyday challenge is knowing what you want and finding a way to get it, even if you have to take a few detours along the way.

What questions do you have about Cerebral Palsy?

related links:

www.ucp.org

www.easterseals.org