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Joe Blue makes light of some very real issues and misunderstandings that people with cerebral palsy deal with.
Cerebral Palsy is not a disease. It is a non-progressive condition caused by damage to the brain, usually occurring before, during or shortly following birth (French 2004).
Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of severe disability in public school students.
There are three different types of cerebral palsy. Spastic cerebral palsy causes resistance to movement and tense muscles – this is the most common type of cerebral palsy. Athetoid causes involuntary movements of muscles. Ataxia creates an inbalance and lack of coordination.
Students with cerebral palsy have special needs. They may have seizures, poor depth perception, difficulty with speech, or tight or even spastic muscles. This does not mean that students with cerebral palsy are not intelligent. Students with cerebral palsy often have normal or even high intelligence.
Lack of awareness and fear of the unknown are common causes of discrimination for students with cerebral palsy. In a survey done by “The Leonard Cheshire Foundation (4), nearly one-third of people questioned thought that wheelchair-users were “less intelligent”; and 44% of opinion leaders thought that using a wheelchair would present a major obstacle to gaining employment” (Janet, 2011). These misconceptions can cause students with cerebral palsy to get segregated from their classmates and left behind with regard to education.
The IDEA (Individual with Disabilities Education Act) ensures that education is available for all students with disabilities. But in some schools, inclusion just means that the student is learning the same material as the other students in the same room as the other students. Studies have shown that this is not enough; students need the social aspect of learning as well. Being isolated to the back of a room with a ipad may be appropriate for short periods of time, but teachers need to find ways to keep students with cerebral palsy active and engaged in class.
Some tips for teaching students with cerebral palsy:
Technology can help. In a study done by Shaw and Durden, they used a Geometer Sketchpad for a student in 10th grade geometry class. This allows the students to get past the frustration of not being able to create neat geometric shapes by freehand.
Adapt the pace. Provide challenges, but accept that it may take a student with cerebral palsy longer to accomplish some tasks.
Change the environment. Make sure you are providing a safe and accessible environment for all your students.
Consider non-traditional assessment, such as a portfolio. Allow the student to be judged based on progress rather than a set standard.
Provide a desk that is comfortable for the student. Writing is hard enough without having an awkward position.
Shaw, Kenneth L. & Durden, Paul. Learning How Amanda, a High School Cerebral Palsy Student,Understands Angles. School Science and MathematicsVolume 98, Issue 4, Article first published online: 17 MAR 2010
What can you do in your specific classroom (math, english, art, physical education, health, art, acting, social studies, science, etc.) to meet the needs of students with cerebral palsy?
In an acting class I think there would be a few different options. I would obviously have to modify certain physical activities/games for that student, but would love for them to play along to the best of their ability. I would also provide the option for them to choose to play a wheelchair bound character or not in their scenes. There is plenty of good dramatic lit out there with wheelchair bound characters, and I would search to see if there was any material with characters that have cerebral palsy.
It would be important to inform the rest of the class, as you just did with us about cerebral palsy, maybe the child could help their classmates understand or the mother or the teacher. This brought to mind our Pedagogy reading for this week, building learning communities in the classroom.
Having cerebral palsy would make some science labs such as dissection difficult. The student might not be able to get the right cuts on their animal. If possible they could use a computer simulation program called frog guts. This way the student could still participate in the lab and not have to worry about the dangers with working with sharp knives if their cerebral palsy causes them to have problem with depth perception or have seizures.
What would be the best thing to do though if the student signed up for a human biology class in which over half the class period occurred in the lab setting and the student couldn't effectively participate in the labs?What would be the best option to still get the student engaged in the lab if other simulations were not possible to make it equitable?
I think your best bet would be to try and find some informing computer labs...the basis for the class is to learn and whether that occurs with actual lab materials or a computer doesn't really matter. Unless part of the assessment is cutting a straight line, it shouldn't matter how the student learns
In college as you know, the classes are separate from the labs. It is possible to learn about biology (or science) without a ton of lab experience. If you look at what professors do at universities, it is not lab work. They are writing grants and running the lab, etc. - all of the intellectual work. Research is not about running experiments, it is about asking questions, designing how you are going to answer them, and evaluating the results to see if they prove or disprove your hypothesis. Almost anyone can do the physical part of the laboratories. One thing that can be done is to have the person design labs to test a hypothesis and work on the intellectual side of running a lab.
I had science class. I had a partner (another student) who talked about what he was doing on the experiment and wrote all the stuff down for both of us. I helped hand him stuff and cleaned up. The teachers can make sure I have a partner who likes to help me and doesn't mind doing a little extra work and letting me go to the restroom when I need to go. (Being flexible with my schedule because things take me longer to do.)
I was wondering what kind of desk would be most helpful as suggested by the tips... Thank you, I think it would be very easy to bring in an extra lab table. I like the idea of using all lab tables in a foreign language classroom to facilitate discussion. "Language Labs!"
In a business class, using Dragon Speaking Naturally (voice recognition software) to complete assignments would be perfect, depending on the level of severity, of course.
OK - NOWWW this is Beth under the right account. In business education courses using Dragon Speak Naturally or LiveScribe pens to complete assignments would be beneficial for someone with cerebral palsy. I've learned something today -- I did not know it was a condition caused to trauma to the brain - I thought it was a birth defect. Thank you for educating us!!!
You've got me wondering about how calculators would be used on standardized tests. Would such students be able to direct a helper as to which keys to push instead of actually doing it themselves? Or would they use voice technology somehow? I wonder if multiple choice tests can be answered verbally online.
In social studies I think i would be important to have a lot of group work. It's good for both parties to socialize together and use teamwork to find success. I would also make more assessments verbal.
I would carefully consider the accessibility of my classroom, ensuring the student would be comfortable where he chose to sit. I would make sure the student had adequate technological resources if writing was difficult. Allow expression through various means (artisiic and verbal) You also mentioned how important social interaction is. i fear that many student might be initially uncomfortable with the student if they were unfamiliar with the student. During a class ice breaker activity, if the student with cerebal palsy was comfortable with it, i would ask them to tell the class about his/her condition and answer any questions, and then proceed to an activity where everyone could fully engage.
Dealing with a student who has cerebral palsey will be a challenge, no doubt about it. However, going back to our discussions on technology, there are so many technological devices out there that will assist teachers in meeting the needs of all students; which, if any, of these devices do you hope to incorporate into your lessons, Josh?
The only thing I can say is never ever underestimate what a student with cerebral palsy can do and at the same time, allow for differentiation of physical tasks. Here is what I mean. I teach Tae Kwon-do at a school here in Andover. We had a student that was taking classes that had fairly severe cerebral palsy. When he first started, he had a lot of trouble. I didn't know if he was going to stick with it or not. He did, however. The improvement and the amount he was able to do was amazing, even considering his disability. He just got his Black belt a month ago. If the school had given up on him when he first started, I do not know if he would have made it. The owner of the school (Premiere Karate- Mr. O'Neill) is committed to working with anyone, disability or not. BTW, while I am talking about this, I had the best thing happen today. I am working with an ADHD kid at the school. I am his Black Belt buddy - kind of a mentor - helping him get his Black Belt. He has really come a londg way. I have had a great time working with him. Today he gave me a great big hug and a ton of high-fives because he did well on his test. What a great day! This what it is all about.
We have all been talking about labs and everything but I would like to hear from the main person - what accommodations have been made for you (realizing there are different degrees of cerebral palsy), and what do you think could have been done differently? One of the labs I would like to do is a day at a nature center. It would be helpful to know how to handle this. How far can you walk without it becoming a problem (please excuse my ignorance)? Is there any terrain that would be difficult or should I just assume that this is not as big of an issue as I am making it out to be?
I actually employed a low level form of Cerebral Palsy coworker (Mark) in one of my fitness centers. He walked in and just started asking questions about the job and showing me what he can do. I was seriously blown away by his confidence level, that I knew he would be a great fit for our facility. He was not too proud to look past his disability. He told me about it, how long he had it and that he can do this job. After asking him all the questions I would in any interview and having him show me what he can do (which I also required from all potential employees), he sold me on his skills. He worked for me for 3 years before moving onto a full-time position that he ended up going to college for.
It is important to understand that students with cerebral palsy often have normal or even high intelligence. One art teacher in Taiwan has this understanding, it was through his help and encouragement, a little girl with cerebral palsy, who was told that she was "good enough" for circus in future, has turned out to be a renowned painter in Taiwan, a graduate with a Phd of Art from University of California, a professor, and her name is Mei Lian Huang. You can check out her life story and art work at her website.
I have a relative that was originally misdiagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, when instead he had a much more severe congenital disorder. This wasn't apparent until he was quite a bit older
I went to work up in Brainerd every summer through High school at Camp Confidence. It was a very humbling experience because I was not aware of the things that people with cerebral palsy had to go through to make it through an average day. It was amazing to see just how smart that these kids were, and how intuned to everyone elses feelings that they were. They were the most unselfish people that I have ever met, and I loved the experience and the kids. I think students nowadays need to be educated on this, and they need to understand just how alike these kids are to them...
I am a math teacher. As such, what one thing (more visuals, a technological device, group work etc...) do you wish your teachers would have done to make your school experience better/easier?
I am a foreign language teacher and am wondering what your experience was like with you school peers? Did you ever feel isolated from them? What was something a teacher did to have a positive impact on your school experience? Thank you for sharing!!!
Hi Angel. Thank you for sharing your story. What are some things we, as future teachers, can and should do to better accommodate students with cerebral palsy in our classroom?
Very dynamic discussions. As with all our different marginalized groups, it is most important to never draw conclusions without collecting your own primary source data EVERY TIME!!
1. Research your topic. Use at least FIVE references 25 points
2. Synthesize your conclusions 25 points
3. Discussion. Respond to peers. 25 points
4. Guest 20 points
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Comments (Show all 41)
Josh Alessio said
at 5:40 pm on Mar 29, 2011
What can you do in your specific classroom (math, english, art, physical education, health, art, acting, social studies, science, etc.) to meet the needs of students with cerebral palsy?
Genevieve.Bennett@st.bemidjistate.edu said
at 1:35 pm on Apr 1, 2011
In an acting class I think there would be a few different options. I would obviously have to modify certain physical activities/games for that student, but would love for them to play along to the best of their ability. I would also provide the option for them to choose to play a wheelchair bound character or not in their scenes. There is plenty of good dramatic lit out there with wheelchair bound characters, and I would search to see if there was any material with characters that have cerebral palsy.
Brenda Mattei said
at 1:59 pm on Apr 1, 2011
It would be important to inform the rest of the class, as you just did with us about cerebral palsy, maybe the child could help their classmates understand or the mother or the teacher. This brought to mind our Pedagogy reading for this week, building learning communities in the classroom.
Darla Stevens said
at 8:35 am on Apr 2, 2011
This is very important. But maybe the class already knows if they have had classes together or have grown up in the same school together
Joshua Voller said
at 4:41 pm on Apr 1, 2011
Having cerebral palsy would make some science labs such as dissection difficult. The student might not be able to get the right cuts on their animal. If possible they could use a computer simulation program called frog guts. This way the student could still participate in the lab and not have to worry about the dangers with working with sharp knives if their cerebral palsy causes them to have problem with depth perception or have seizures.
Darla Stevens said
at 8:34 am on Apr 2, 2011
My mentor has something similar to this and it is actually is really cool! I enjoyed playing it on my computer.
Joshua Voller said
at 4:46 pm on Apr 3, 2011
What would be the best thing to do though if the student signed up for a human biology class in which over half the class period occurred in the lab setting and the student couldn't effectively participate in the labs?What would be the best option to still get the student engaged in the lab if other simulations were not possible to make it equitable?
Josh Alessio said
at 5:34 pm on Apr 3, 2011
Thank you Josh - I will pose these questions to my authentic voice
Lindsey Krawchuk said
at 6:28 pm on Apr 4, 2011
I think your best bet would be to try and find some informing computer labs...the basis for the class is to learn and whether that occurs with actual lab materials or a computer doesn't really matter. Unless part of the assessment is cutting a straight line, it shouldn't matter how the student learns
Dan Morrison said
at 11:17 pm on Apr 4, 2011
In college as you know, the classes are separate from the labs. It is possible to learn about biology (or science) without a ton of lab experience. If you look at what professors do at universities, it is not lab work. They are writing grants and running the lab, etc. - all of the intellectual work. Research is not about running experiments, it is about asking questions, designing how you are going to answer them, and evaluating the results to see if they prove or disprove your hypothesis. Almost anyone can do the physical part of the laboratories. One thing that can be done is to have the person design labs to test a hypothesis and work on the intellectual side of running a lab.
Josh Alessio said
at 10:33 am on Apr 19, 2011
I had science class. I had a partner (another student) who talked about what he was doing on the experiment and wrote all the stuff down for both of us. I helped hand him stuff and cleaned up. The teachers can make sure I have a partner who likes to help me and doesn't mind doing a little extra work and letting me go to the restroom when I need to go. (Being flexible with my schedule because things take me longer to do.)
Lindsey Krawchuk said
at 1:49 pm on Apr 2, 2011
having lab tables as opposed to regular desks also helps, it is much easier to get a wheel chair under a table then a small desk...
Katherine Buhr said
at 12:45 am on Apr 7, 2011
I was wondering what kind of desk would be most helpful as suggested by the tips... Thank you, I think it would be very easy to bring in an extra lab table. I like the idea of using all lab tables in a foreign language classroom to facilitate discussion. "Language Labs!"
Laura said
at 7:09 pm on Apr 2, 2011
In a business class, using Dragon Speaking Naturally (voice recognition software) to complete assignments would be perfect, depending on the level of severity, of course.
Laura said
at 7:10 pm on Apr 2, 2011
This is Beth actually -- I was logged in under my expert voice----WHOOPS! I got her account set up for her and didn't realize I hadn't logged out.
Laura said
at 7:13 pm on Apr 2, 2011
OK - NOWWW this is Beth under the right account. In business education courses using Dragon Speak Naturally or LiveScribe pens to complete assignments would be beneficial for someone with cerebral palsy. I've learned something today -- I did not know it was a condition caused to trauma to the brain - I thought it was a birth defect. Thank you for educating us!!!
Laura said
at 7:14 pm on Apr 2, 2011
Ohhh my goodness....I am having technical difficulties again......ARG. This is still Beth.
Elizabeth Murray said
at 7:16 pm on Apr 2, 2011
I've also learned that my computer will use the last login under PB works automatically. Sorry Josh. The real Beth account.
Josh Alessio said
at 5:32 pm on Apr 3, 2011
Thank you Beth - I have not seen Dragon Speak in school yet, but it looks great.
David L Zuck said
at 9:33 pm on Apr 2, 2011
You've got me wondering about how calculators would be used on standardized tests. Would such students be able to direct a helper as to which keys to push instead of actually doing it themselves? Or would they use voice technology somehow? I wonder if multiple choice tests can be answered verbally online.
Josh Alessio said
at 5:23 pm on Apr 3, 2011
Thank you - this is a great question for my authentic voice.
Josh Alessio said
at 10:32 am on Apr 19, 2011
Just my power chair and walker to get around. The computer had some extra things on them for me to practice my work.
Hayley Lonnquist said
at 9:21 pm on Apr 7, 2011
In social studies I think i would be important to have a lot of group work. It's good for both parties to socialize together and use teamwork to find success. I would also make more assessments verbal.
Elizabeth Murray said
at 2:01 pm on Apr 16, 2011
You wouldn't necessarily have to make them all verbal - but have a verbal option for those that need it.
Anna O'Neil said
at 10:01 pm on Apr 19, 2011
I would carefully consider the accessibility of my classroom, ensuring the student would be comfortable where he chose to sit. I would make sure the student had adequate technological resources if writing was difficult. Allow expression through various means (artisiic and verbal) You also mentioned how important social interaction is. i fear that many student might be initially uncomfortable with the student if they were unfamiliar with the student. During a class ice breaker activity, if the student with cerebal palsy was comfortable with it, i would ask them to tell the class about his/her condition and answer any questions, and then proceed to an activity where everyone could fully engage.
kevin.engel@... said
at 2:20 pm on Apr 2, 2011
Dealing with a student who has cerebral palsey will be a challenge, no doubt about it. However, going back to our discussions on technology, there are so many technological devices out there that will assist teachers in meeting the needs of all students; which, if any, of these devices do you hope to incorporate into your lessons, Josh?
Josh Alessio said
at 5:36 pm on Apr 3, 2011
The Geometer Sketchpad seems really cool for geometry. It comes loaded with tons of lesson plans that you can sync with your curriculum.
Dan Morrison said
at 4:39 pm on Apr 2, 2011
The only thing I can say is never ever underestimate what a student with cerebral palsy can do and at the same time, allow for differentiation of physical tasks. Here is what I mean. I teach Tae Kwon-do at a school here in Andover. We had a student that was taking classes that had fairly severe cerebral palsy. When he first started, he had a lot of trouble. I didn't know if he was going to stick with it or not. He did, however. The improvement and the amount he was able to do was amazing, even considering his disability. He just got his Black belt a month ago. If the school had given up on him when he first started, I do not know if he would have made it. The owner of the school (Premiere Karate- Mr. O'Neill) is committed to working with anyone, disability or not. BTW, while I am talking about this, I had the best thing happen today. I am working with an ADHD kid at the school. I am his Black Belt buddy - kind of a mentor - helping him get his Black Belt. He has really come a londg way. I have had a great time working with him. Today he gave me a great big hug and a ton of high-fives because he did well on his test. What a great day! This what it is all about.
Josh Alessio said
at 5:29 pm on Apr 3, 2011
Thank you Dan - you are absolutely right, we cannot underestimate our students. We have to have high expectations for ALL students.
Dan Morrison said
at 9:04 pm on Apr 5, 2011
We have all been talking about labs and everything but I would like to hear from the main person - what accommodations have been made for you (realizing there are different degrees of cerebral palsy), and what do you think could have been done differently? One of the labs I would like to do is a day at a nature center. It would be helpful to know how to handle this. How far can you walk without it becoming a problem (please excuse my ignorance)? Is there any terrain that would be difficult or should I just assume that this is not as big of an issue as I am making it out to be?
Jaime Goulet said
at 9:08 pm on Apr 6, 2011
I actually employed a low level form of Cerebral Palsy coworker (Mark) in one of my fitness centers. He walked in and just started asking questions about the job and showing me what he can do. I was seriously blown away by his confidence level, that I knew he would be a great fit for our facility. He was not too proud to look past his disability. He told me about it, how long he had it and that he can do this job. After asking him all the questions I would in any interview and having him show me what he can do (which I also required from all potential employees), he sold me on his skills. He worked for me for 3 years before moving onto a full-time position that he ended up going to college for.
may.hsueh@... said
at 11:23 am on Apr 7, 2011
It is important to understand that students with cerebral palsy often have normal or even high intelligence. One art teacher in Taiwan has this understanding, it was through his help and encouragement, a little girl with cerebral palsy, who was told that she was "good enough" for circus in future, has turned out to be a renowned painter in Taiwan, a graduate with a Phd of Art from University of California, a professor, and her name is Mei Lian Huang. You can check out her life story and art work at her website.
David L Zuck said
at 10:11 am on Apr 16, 2011
May, I found two of her paintings on a blog but could not find her website. Do you know it?
Zach Johnson said
at 8:13 pm on Apr 7, 2011
I have a relative that was originally misdiagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, when instead he had a much more severe congenital disorder. This wasn't apparent until he was quite a bit older
Joe Lakeberg said
at 8:23 pm on Apr 14, 2011
I went to work up in Brainerd every summer through High school at Camp Confidence. It was a very humbling experience because I was not aware of the things that people with cerebral palsy had to go through to make it through an average day. It was amazing to see just how smart that these kids were, and how intuned to everyone elses feelings that they were. They were the most unselfish people that I have ever met, and I loved the experience and the kids. I think students nowadays need to be educated on this, and they need to understand just how alike these kids are to them...
kevin.engel@... said
at 8:30 pm on Apr 15, 2011
I am a math teacher. As such, what one thing (more visuals, a technological device, group work etc...) do you wish your teachers would have done to make your school experience better/easier?
Katherine Buhr said
at 9:40 am on Apr 16, 2011
I am a foreign language teacher and am wondering what your experience was like with you school peers? Did you ever feel isolated from them? What was something a teacher did to have a positive impact on your school experience? Thank you for sharing!!!
Abby Larson said
at 10:50 am on Apr 16, 2011
Hi Angel. Thank you for sharing your story. What are some things we, as future teachers, can and should do to better accommodate students with cerebral palsy in our classroom?
Marissa said
at 4:44 pm on Apr 16, 2011
How much of your school day was spent in a resource/SpEd room? What classes were you mainstreamed for?
Barbara Bridges said
at 1:02 pm on Apr 21, 2011
Very dynamic discussions. As with all our different marginalized groups, it is most important to never draw conclusions without collecting your own primary source data EVERY TIME!!
1. Research your topic. Use at least FIVE references 25 points
2. Synthesize your conclusions 25 points
3. Discussion. Respond to peers. 25 points
4. Guest 20 points
You don't have permission to comment on this page.