Legal and Medical Resources to Empower Cerebral Palsy Families
1-800-CPFamily (273-2645)
Not all children with cerebral palsy have special health care needs. But many do, requiring a range of special services, although the level and types of services needed vary greatly. Each child’s needs are unique. To learn more about what “Special Needs” really means, please visit Cerebral Palsy News: What Does “Special Needs” Really Mean?
Imagine the frustration of a child unable to hold a ball or play due to motor skill limitations, unable to manipulate a small toy, use a pencil in the classroom, or assist in self-care, hygiene and dressing tasks. The goal of occupational therapy is to be able to do all these things to the best [...]
When there’s severe insult to the brain due to birth injury, the brain swells, causing a condition known as hydrocephalus. Conditions other than birth trauma can also lead to a baby being born with hydrocephalus. Regardless of cause, when this happens, doctors have to act quickly to bring down the swelling to prevent further damage [...]
What may look like science fiction is really a true story for two young patients with cerebral palsy. Austin Hammer, 18, of Wyoming, has been using a specialized compression therapy suit that originated with the Soviet space program. And MacKenzie Maher, 13, is learning to walk using a device that belts her into a robot-like [...]
No group of people have more at stake in Washington budget talks than families with children with cerebral palsy. Any cuts to Medicaid will affect more than 10 million children with special needs, most of whom use Medicaid either as their sole provider or as a supplement to private insurance. A just-released report by the [...]
To find help, answer the questions below. They will be reviewed by the doctors and attorneys who helped us.
FREE state-specific resource list covering everyday activities to emergency situations.
Organize important information and resources for yourself and other caregivers.
In October, I wrote several articles titled “Diary of a Crisis” about a medical emergency we experienced with our daughter, Danielle. Danielle has suffered from severe spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy since birth. The past 18 months have been a constant struggle with medical professionals to get answers about our daughter's deteriorating health.
READ MORE
Birthing classes and many books about pregnancy help parents-to-be prepare for the birth experience and some of their choices, especially when it comes to managing pain. However, few deal with potential complications, preferring to leave that scary ”what if” in the hands of doctors. However, my experience as a practicing obstetrician for more than 20 years is that it’s vitally important for parents to know what standards of care are and how to advocate for themselves and their child if these standards are not being met.
READ MORE
