Cerebral Palsy

• applies to a number of disorders of the developing brain affecting body movement, posture and muscle coordination.
• is caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain, usually occurring during fetal development; before, during, or shortly after birth; during infancy; or early childhood.
• is not progressive
• effects between 1.5-2.0 million children and adults in the United States

Potential Deficit Areas

• Muscle tightness or spasticity
• Problems with gait, coordination and mobility
• Difficulty with swallowing and breathing
• Impairment of sight, hearing or speech
• Abnormal sensation and perception
• Mental Retardation
• Learning disabilities
• Impaired judgment, processing and reaction time
• Seizures

Impact on Driving/Transportation

• A modified vehicle will become necessary for children with cerebral palsy who use a wheelchair as they become too big for their parents and/or caregivers to transfer them to the OEM seat and as their chair becomes too heavy to lift.
• As the individual reaches the age to drive, a driving evaluation will be needed to determine if they have the cognitive, visual, perceptual and physical ability to learn to drive safely. (www.aded.net)
• This driving evaluation will determine if the individual will be able to drive or not and what if any type(s), of driving equipment they will need.

Possible Vehicle Equipment Needs

• Wheelchair stowage lift and/or transfer seat
• Lowered floor minivan or full size van with a lift
• Adaptive driving equipment specifically recommended for their individual physical abilities and custom fit by a certified technician, equipment will vary widely person to person