";s:4:"text";s:9933:" Acceptance Depending on the extent of the disability, there are almost always inherent limitations in what a person with cerebral palsy can achieve. “People with cerebral palsy are exactly that. You would be the same person that you are, but you would learn how to accommodate life for yourself. “You’re too pretty to be in that wheelchair.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told this by strangers. As always, I so appreciate your sharing your thoughts, and there is so much to think about here. And please forgive me if I’ve said the wrong thing right here!:). 6. Note: Cerebral Palsy News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease.
They celebrate the small victories and embrace their child’s uniqueness. Here is a list of seven things that I have personally heard or know people have said. He used the term “retarded” as a clinical reference because his generation of medical professionals used it that way. Perhaps in the mind of a journalist, describing someone as a “sufferer of a disorder or disease” makes for a more dramatic or more appealing story. People with eating disorders regularly deal with comments like these and more besides (‘you're just attention seeking.’). She is doing real good. It appears you entered an invalid email. We do the best we can and on occasion a good friend of mine has gently let me know when words I have used may be outdated and considered disrespectful now. Next time you meet someone with cerebral palsy, please be cautious about your words and remember we are people first and foremost!
My four year old daughter is not defined by her CP. It very likely involved years of therapy, research, tears, smiles, struggles and fatigue. If you have been affected by issues raised in this film, help and support is available. In journalism I understand there is some professional guidance on the appropriate use of language, which, in the case of the article referenced above, may have been ignored. Dr. Meyer was in his 80s when he passed away. It’s deeply painful to see and feel that someone is writing off your child. Aids and Adaptations for People Living with Cerebral Palsy, Surgery for the Treatment of Cerebral Palsy, Embracing Life on Wheels - a Column By Jessica Grono. They are also likely working with a large team of highly trained medical professionals who specialize in CP. If the mother did, in fact, have genes linked to her child’s cerebral palsy, you can see how the question could cause her pain and even guilt. Some of us prefer identity-first language (“disabled person”) while others prefer people-first language (“a person with a disability“). “I had no idea you understood that because you have cerebral palsy.” Sometimes when speaking to someone about my interests, they say, “I had no idea you understood that.” If you say this, you’re insulting our intelligence and putting us in a category. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It’s actually much easier to talk to CP parents than you think.
3. It’s simple: They aren’t sorry. It’s so hard to keep up and to know what the consensus is on some of these things. | Compassion and understanding yes, but pity, no way.
Thanks for the update! Hello. Certain genetic conditions carried by the parents can affect the development of the brain, so some cases of cerebral palsy are genetic. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Oops! Related: When a TV Show Highlighted the 'Princess Problem' for Kids With Disabilities. Related: Netflix’s 'Special' and Navigating the Space Between Disabled and Able-Bodied. I like to use people first language and prefer to say “my son with a disability rather than my ‘disabled son'” I also didn’t realize until recently that the word “accessible” is the preferred term over “handicap” as it relates to seating and parking. 4. We aren’t broken, we just have a condition that causes us to use a walker or a wheelchair. I want to be seen the same and treated the same as everyone else. Many factors can lead to cerebal palsy. Doctors classify CP according to the main type of movement disorder involved. Top of Page. Mixed Cerebral Palsy. There is nothing worse than a spoiled retarded child.’”. You want to be able to relieve some of the CP mom’s worries. Unless you have a solution to the one small step, you might as well consider it to be inaccessible. Stiff muscles (spasticity) 2. There may be problems with sensation, vision, hearing, swallowing, and speaking.
Uncontrollable movements (dyskinesia) 3. Hi Jessica,
You are an inspiration. Please don’t tell me this simply because I have cerebral palsy and go out of my house just like anyone else.
I certainly would have felt sadness, but whether I would have connected with anger first I don’t know. There’s a lot of debate surrounding terminology. Small correction: CP is a condition, not a disease. Although a person who was writing about themself might well choose that description if they felt it accurate. As someone who has lived with cerebral palsy my whole life, I have come across people who have said certain things about my condition they shouldn’t have said, but they do without giving it a second thought: 1. Had Kelly, or any other parent become distracted by his language faux pas, she would have missed out on the wisdom and love he was conveying. True, positivity can help a situation be easier and more accomplished. One night Kelly and I were discussing the issue of language as it pertains to people with disabilities. Just like everybody else. Now that I am the parent of a child with a disability and the host of a website about cerebral palsy, the stakes are higher for me to get this “right”. Disabilities are not inspiring alone, but accomplishments can be inspiring.
More: Not all disabilities are visible, so think before you judge. Who you offend and how you offend them can vary from one individual or family to the next, regardless of your intention.
“You have cerebral palsy, I feel so bad for you.” We don’t want a pity party or a sob story just because we have to do things differently then most people do. 5. And while parents of kids who have CP appreciate the sentiment you are trying to say, they aren’t that crazy about hearing these two words in reference to their child. Cerebral Palsy does not define a person Jamie wants to be an actor when he leaves college. She helps create understanding without judgment, opens herself up to the perspectives of parents that may contrast greatly from her own, and she isn’t afraid to ultimately share what she feels and believes. Read about our approach to external linking. We are human and have feelings too. Sigh. 6.