Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a condition involving nerve and motor dysfunction, which is caused by damage to the brain.  It is usually the result of prematurity or oxygen deficiency during birth.  Cerebral Palsy can also be caused by injury, drugs, or child abuse.

Cerebral Palsy is characterized by an inability to fully control motor function.  Depending on which part of the brain has been damaged and the degree of involvement of the central nervous system, one or more of the following may occur:  spasms, involuntary movement; disturbance in gait or mobility; seizures; abnormal sensation and perception; impairment of sight, hearing, or speech; and intellectual disability.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

In addition to major limb disturbances, students with Cerebral Palsy sometimes have hand tremors, making fine movements difficult.  They may have problems in speaking, chewing, swallowing, maintaining visual focus, or following a moving target.

Accommodation Examples

• In-class volunteer note-taker
• Scribe for a test
• Adaptive computer equipment
• Extended time on tests