Special Education Tools for Individuals With Cerebral Palsy
Date of Award
Summer 2020
Document Type
Project (696 or 796 registration)
Degree Name
Master of Science in Special Education
Department
Graduate Studies
Committee Chair
Marci Glessner
Abstract
Individuals education plans (IEPs) are comprehensive documents that define how a student with a disability will receive a free and appropriate education including, but not limited to academic, social, and physical accommodations and modifications. Physical health disabilities are one of thirteen categories in Minnesota that are identified as a prerequisite for receiving special education services. Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common disability in the physical health disabilities category. Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain during development. The extent of the damage varies and affects muscle tone/posture and movement in one or more limbs. The range of special education needs run a wide spectrum of type and extent of services. The purpose of this paper is to identify some of those needs and ways they can be provided to students and families.
Academic function should be assessed early so proper interventions can be used. Motor therapies prescribed by physicians and monitored by occupational and physical therapists as well as families and educations need to be addressed as a team approach. Families report needing more support to encourage their child to carry out a proper routine. Students with CP who have social needs that are not met are less likely to have a good self concept, motor skills, and complete functional living tasks than those whose social needs are nurtured.
Recommended Citation
Grandy, Shalom, "Special Education Tools for Individuals With Cerebral Palsy" (2020). Dissertations, Theses, and Projects. 404.
https://red.mnstate.edu/thesis/404