March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding, advocating for inclusion, and celebrating the abilities of individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP). It is essential to highlight the role of AAC in empowering individuals with Cerebral Palsy.
Cerebral Palsy refers to a group of neurological disorders resulting from damage to fetal and infant brains which causes loss of or impairment of motor function (Cerebral Palsy Foundation, n.d.-c).
Cerebral Palsy has a wide range of effects, including deficits related to perception, sensation, communication, behavior, cognition, and secondary musculoskeletal issues.
Cerebral Palsy is the most common motor lifelong disability, affecting more than 17 million individuals around the world (Cerebral Palsy Foundation, n.d.-b).
While Cerebral Palsy impacts individuals differently, one in five people with Cerebral Palsy experience challenges with communication due to impaired motor control (Cerebral Palsy Foundation, n.d.-c). This can make speech unintelligible, difficult or, in some cases, impossible.
Research indicates that about 25% to 50% of individuals with Cerebral Palsy have complex communication needs and may benefit from AAC (Mineo, 2020).
AAC provides individuals with Cerebral Palsy access to communication through a variety of tools, from nonelectronic tools like communication boards to electronic tools like speech-generating devices.
These tools help individuals with complex communication needs express themselves clearly, reducing frustration and increasing engagement in daily life (Smith & Hustad, 2015).
AAC supports individuals with Cerebral Palsy by:
Fostering Independence: AAC empowers individuals with Cerebral Palsy to communicate autonomously.
Enhancing Social Connections: With AAC, individuals can engage in conversations, build relationships, and share their personalities with the world.
Supporting Education and Learning: AAC helps students with Cerebral Palsy actively participate in classroom discussions, access curriculum content, and demonstrate their knowledge.
Advocating for Themselves: Having a reliable means of communication allows individuals with Cerebral Palsy to express themselves.
Despite the benefits of AAC, access barriers to AAC tools still exist. Awareness and education are key to breaking these barriers and ensuring individuals with Cerebral Palsy have opportunities, resources, and support to achieve their highest potential. Show your support during Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month by:
Promoting Inclusive Mindsets: Encourage acceptance of diverse communication methods in schools, workplaces, and communities.
Advocating for Access to AAC and Related Services: Support policies and funding that ensure individuals with Cerebral Palsy have access to appropriate AAC tools and services.
Empower Communication Partners: Educate families, educators, therapists, peers, and other communication partners on how to support individuals with complex communication needs.
Celebrate AAC Success Stories: Share stories of individuals with Cerebral Palsy who use AAC to lead fulfilling lives.
Everyone deserves a voice. By recognizing the importance of AAC during Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, a world where individuals with Cerebral Palsy have the adequate tools, opportunities, and support they need to grow. Let’s continue advocating for access, inclusion, and the power of communication for all!
References
Cerebral Palsy Foundation. (n.d.-a). Communication Classification. https://www.yourcpf.org/communication-issues/
Cerebral Palsy Foundation. (n.d.-b). Key Facts. https://www.yourcpf.org/statistics/
Cerebral Palsy Foundation. (n.d.-c). Types of CP. https://www.yourcpf.org/types-of-cp/
Mineo, B.A. (2020). Communication in Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy. In: Miller, F., Bachrach, S., Lennon, N., O'Neil, M.E. (eds) Cerebral Palsy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74558-9_177
Smith, A. L., & Hustad, K. C. (2015). AAC and Early Intervention for Children with Cerebral Palsy: Parent Perceptions and Child Risk Factors. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 31(4), 336–350. https://doi.org/10.3109/07434618.2015.1084373
Hannah Foley, B.A. serves as the Support and Implementation Specialist at Forbes AAC, leveraging more than five years of experience in AAC support and implementation. Committed to delivering quality implementation resources and support, Hannah focuses on empowering AAC teams who are implementing CoughDrop. She is dedicated to ensuring successful integration of AAC into various life activities, maximizing communicative skill development, and fostering meaningful engagement for individuals utilizing AAC.