What are some physical activity aids for a child with CP?

I have had some experience with modifications for a cerebral palsy student. I am a self-contained special education teacher. Without knowing the strengths and abilities of the student, it is hard to think of modifications, but here are some that have worked with students in my room. You may also wish to involve the child’s physical therapist, and the regular education physical education teacher (if she is in public school).

With the child lying face up on a mat, suspend a large knobby ball (with a handle, like the ‘sit’ balls)from a rope in the ceiling. Position the ball so that it hangs directly above her and so she can reach it with her arms comfortably. Assign one or two regular ed students to be her partners. The partner swings the ball slowly, and the child lying on the mat tries to hit the ball back to the other student(s). This also works with the child seated in her wheelchair. You can also suspend a ‘whiffle’ ball and ask the student to hit it with a light plastic bat, or light badmitten racket. If the child can’t grasp, the badmitten racket can be velcro-ed to her arm.

We also played ‘Duck, duck, goose’ with wheelchair students being pushed by an adult.

Here are a few web sites that may have some equipment that works for you:

http://www.lekotek.org/

http://toysrus.richfx.com/catalog_toysrus/diffabled_06_t/diffabled_06_t.html

www.sammonspreston.com

The main thing is to put yourself in the child’s shoes, so to speak, and think of innovative ways to help the child participate in group play activities as much as possible. Hope this helps!

Like flying_luna, I also am a special ed teacher. If your school does not have occupational education, please have your doctor refer you to one. They are the BEST resource for equipment. Many 99cent stores have a velcro paddle that will “catch” a tennis ball . The paddles themselves velcro on a child’s hands. Puzzles can come with a handle on the pieces or you can make your own dip a large push pin in glue and insert it into a wooden puzzle piece. There are page flippers that you attach to a book so the child can turn the pages themself or you can make your own by glueing a popcycle stick to the page. Adaptive switched (see luna_’s list) can be used to attach to mechanical toys so the child can make them “go”. An addaptive swith can be fitted to a TV or VCR. Your child may enjoy a special swing with a safety belt and back support. Large tunnels can be crawled through in the house or in the yard. At your local toy store you may find oversized plastic golf clubs. Replace the tiny golf ball in a larger one. Some CP kids can play tetherball. This is a pole with a ball attached to a rope coming from the top of the pole. You play it like volley ball but the ball goes around the pole instead of over a net. We have had kids in wheel chirs play with this. How about a pool? Put the child in it with an old car safety seat or bath seat designed for older cp kids.

Many items recommended by an occupational therapist can be paid for with medical insurance. Good luck to you both!

Awww…I’m only 13 So I Have No Idea. But That’s Good To Know You’re Trying To Help Her. You’re A Sweetie!