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Classification Systems for Cerebral Palsy
The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) is widely used to describe the functional levels of children with cerebral palsy. There is also a Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) used to describe the functional use of the hands of children with cerebral palsy. Now an additional classification system has been developed – the Communication Function […]
Funding for Adaptive Equipment
If you are looking for a nice overview on funding adaptive mobility equipment for children, Rifton has an easy to follow article. The article includes funding sources, the funding process and a visual flow chart with step by step directions. Worth a look – download it here: Funding for Disabilities: Adaptive Mobility Equipment for Young […]
Inclusive Art Activity
Came across this inclusive, creative art idea – painting with hats. A preschool teacher taped paintbrushes to the tops of hats for the children to paint with on easels. It makes an interesting disability awareness activity as well. Since some children access computers using a pointer on a hat, why not let the children see […]
Adaptive Physical Education?
School based therapists are frequently involved in providing intervention techniques and environmental modifications during physical education class. Whether it be pre-teaching skills, practicing motor skills or modifying the environment, here are two documents that are very helpful in deciding whether adaptive physical education is warranted. 1. Observation and Referral Form for Adaptive Physical Education – […]
Handwriting versus Keyboarding
When assessing students for written productivity, handwriting speeds are frequently compared to keyboarding speeds. There are several helpful documents on the internet to help evaluate students: 1. Developing a Written Productivity Profile: Comparing handwriting to keyboarding 2. Handwriting Speeds – from Montgomery Schools Maryland 3. Handwriting / Keyboarding Rates – from the National Assistive Technology […]
Hippotherapy and Cerebral Palsy
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology published a meta analysis research study on hippotherapy and children with cerebral palsy. Out of 77 studies, 8 were included in the analysis. The results indicated the following: “Therapy was found to be effective in 76 out of 84 children with CP included in the intervention groups. The comparison groups […]
Hip Pain in Children with Severe Cerebral Palsy
Disability and Rehabilitation published research on hip pain in children with severe cerebral palsy and hip dislocation. Seventy three children ages 4 through 10.8 years old had a total of 99 dislocated hips. Medical records were reviewed for previous physical therapy interventions (abduction therapy, no abduction therapy and abduction/ hippotherapy). Pain level was measured. In […]
Intrathecal Baclofen on Non Ambulatory Children wtih CP
Research was conducted with 38 children with severe spastic cerebral palsy and the use of intrathecal baclofen (ITB). Twenty children were assessed before receiving the ITB and at 9 and 18 months post ITB. The remaining 18 children waited 9 months to serve as a control period for the two groups. The results indicated the […]
Bimanual Versus Constraint Therapy in Hemiplegia
Research was conducted comparing two groups of children ranging from 3.5 to 10 years old (42 in total) with hemiplegia. The children were randomly assigned to receive 90 hours of constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) or 90 hours of bimanual training (HABIT). Following the training, both the CIMT and HABIT resulted in improved hand function […]
Group Movement and Learning Game
Movement Spelling Purpose: Encourage physical activity, proprioceptive input and practice spelling words Materials: index cards Preparation: You will need to create letter cards using the index cards. You could use the spelling word list for the week or create your own list. For our example we will use animals to spell out. Here is the […]