The following video explores assistive technology (AT) and alternative communication for children with cerebral palsy.
Assistive technology (AT) is a general term that includes assistive, rehabilitative and adaptive devices for people with disabilities.
The following video demonstrates several basic advancements in technology in the class room and out for children with cerebral palsy.
The book Melanie: Bird With a Broken Wing discusses a families struggle to find health / medical and educational care for their child with cerebral palsy.
The author, Beth Harry, states that the book ''Quite simply, it's a mother's story,'' about “…coming to terms with what she meant to me, to us.”
For more information about Melanie: Bird With a Broken Wing please click here.
January 25, 2009
United Cerebral Palsy ( UCP ) of Berkshire County, Massachusetts to Host 46th Annual Telethon
The UCP of Berkshire County will be hosting its 46th annual live Telethon on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009 from 2 - 6 p.m. at The Crowne Plaza Hotel. The goal is to raise $ 35,000 to fund advocacy and children's programming.
For more information on the event please contact one of the offices below:
PITTSFIELD OFFICE
UCP of Berkshire County
208 West Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: (413) 442-1562
Fax: (413) 499-4077
TTY: (413) 442-1562
E-Mail: info@ucpberkshire.org
NORTH ADAMS OFFICE
UCP of Berkshire County
PO Box 934
North Adams, MA 01247
Phone: (413) 664-9345
Fax: (413) 664-6234
TTY: (413) 664-9345
E-Mail: info@ucpberkshire.org
The UCP will be hosting its annual cerebral palsy conference on April 22-25, 2009. The conference will be held in San Francisco, CA at The Westin St. Francis at Union Square, 335 Powell Street.
Several awards will be given and UCP is still accepting nominations the categories include:
Employer of the Year Award
Ethel Hausman Volunteer of the Year Award
Life Without Limits Award
Nina Eaton Program of the Year Award
Outstanding Community Service Award
Prentke Romich Augmentative and Alternative Communication Service Award
Public Policy and Advocacy Award
Ritter Legacy Award
Universal Accessibility Design Award
For more information, to register for the conference or make a nomination please click here.
A new study concludes that the use of Magnesium Sulphate given to mothers of premature babies cuts the risk of the child developing cerebral palsy by 50 %.
Several months ago I wrote a post regarding a similar study of how administering Magnesium Sulphate to women whose water broke between 24 and 31 weeks reduced the rate of cerebral palsy by 50 %.
Currently, the reason for the reduction is not completely understood; however, side effects are minimal. Furthermore, magnesium sulphate is inexpensive and available at many hospitals. Therefore, I feel that administering magnesium sulphate to diminish the risk of cerebral palsy may soon become standard practice in premature births.
Last week lawyers for the family of Roberto Morales Jr. reached a settlement of $ 6.5 Million in a medical malpractice lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged that the medical staff at Provena Mercy Medical Center in Aurora, Illinois administered Pitocin to the mother to expedite delivery. The Potocin caused an adverse reaction and caused the child to demonstrate signs of distress.
The medical staff, however, failed to respond to signs that the child was in distress and was experiencing a lack of oxygen to his brain. As a result of the oxygen depravation the child sustained brain damage and will need lifelong care.
January 14, 2009
Dr. Rahul Nath Uses Experimental Treatment for Girl with Erb’s Palsy / Brachial Plexus Paralysis
In addition, to a partial mod quad for her Erb's Palsy Dr. Nath injected Kinsley Morrow, not yet two years old with Botox to release her triceps. The use of Botox in this instance was experimental according to Kinsley’s local news paper The Item in South Carolina because of the severity of the injury.
According to the little girl’s mother the injections are definitely working but are very expensive. To date the family has spent in excess of $ 60,000 after insurance paid its share. The family is having difficulty continuing Kinsley’s treatment. According to The Item Kinsley’s mother stated that “We need help just to pay expenses,” and “Anything would be a big help.”
If you would like to make a donation to Kinsley and her family First Citizens Bank has set up an account in the name of “Kinsley Morrow in care of Kristy Kirkland.”
For More information click here
Undergoing physical therapy at home with young children with cerebral palsy is often difficult. The following short video demonstrates how to keep the child’s interest by offering new fun ways to perform certain tasks.
The video below explains the history, methods and benefits of conductive education for children with special needs.
The video below is the second in a two part series of videos discussing TheraSuit therapy. In this clip they discuss all five stages of TheraSuit therapy from the warm up to the last stage. Additionally, the video explains the benefits of the TheraSuit home program for children with cerebral palsy.
