#Cerebral palsy birth injury

[five-thousand-loaves-of-bread]

autistic people dominate AAC conversation on tumblr so for this AAC awareness month (October), let us also remember all non-autistic AAC users & autistic AAC users who not use AAC because or solely because autism.

people use AAC for from intellectual & developmental disorders to neurocognitive disorders to neurological to physical disorders. people use AAC for disorders from birth & acquired disorders. progressive & non progressive disorders.

some AAC users have mouth speech, motor, and/or sound clarity related difficulties, others use for language and/or cogntive difficulties, some for combo of reasons.

those with…

intellectual disability

genetic & chromosomal disorders like down syndrome, rett syndrome, angelman syndrome, williams syndrome, etc.

cerebral palsy

speech language disorders like aphasia & dysarthria

schizophrenia & schizoaffective & schizo-spec

brain injury

dementia

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), huntington’s, frederick’s ataxia, etc.

tracheotomy

locked in syndrome

n so much more not listed here

[mahmoud0qassas]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to you, everyone who donates and shares the blog in order to save my family of 42 members, and my brother who has been suffering from quadriplegic cerebral palsy since birth.

Everyone knows what we live in Gaza, and before the day of Eid, I published a blog post about my family being exposed to shrapnel falling on our tents, and I was injured by these shrapnel, and Allah wrote a new life, as a shrapnel entered my back, next to the spine, by a few cents. If it had pierced my back and hit the spine, my injury would have been serious.

The Israeli enemy media publishes in its Hebrew news and newspapers that it is close to withdrawing from the Rafah area and the end of the military operation there. This is an indication that the crossings may be opened and restored, and here, if we intensify the efforts and collect the travel price for my entire family, we will move to a safer place.

Please, my friends, watch the previous post, and watch the video posted of my family, with shrapnel falling on our tents, and my disabled brother and our children appear, screaming and saying, “Shrapnel is falling on us.”

I ask you to stand with us and save us before it is too late. We do not know if we are exposed to the same situation. We may be dead or seriously injured. I want you to feel your humanity and conscience to help us for my family’s travel and for us to get out to safety.

I beg you to stand with us, with my disabled brother, and with our children who are not to blame for living in these conditions and bloody war. We are not numbers for the numbers of martyrs and wounded. We are human beings like you. We want to live in safety and remain alive. Therefore, I beg you to contribute with us, and every contribution will make us We reach the goal of our campaign and we are able to travel with all my family because travel costs are very high. Thanks to you we reach it, and with your humanity we will remain alive and you will save us to live in safety and a new life away from the sounds of bombing and annoying planes.

[cripplecharacters]

I have a disabled character (neurodivergence) who is non verbal - which are the most common disabilities that cause people to be non verbal? Autism is the only one I can find and I already have quite a few autistic characters and want to add more diversity in different types of neurodivergence. Ty!

Hello asker!

So, here's a couple of reasons people might be nonverbal, and I am including physical disabilities as well as neurodivergence.

Developmental Apraxia of Speech, also known as Childhood Apraxia of Speech or Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia, is when from birth the person has trouble planning to move the body parts required to speak (so like, lips, tongue, jaw, etc). It can improve with speech therapy in some

Apraxia of speech is the more general category for the above. This can be acquired, especially from strokes or traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Dysarthria, which when total is referred to as anarthria, is when there's a neurological injury to the physical muscles that are needed to speak (again, lips, tongue, jaw, etc). Problems with swallowing are common too, since this has to do with muscle weakness rather than motor planning like apraxia of speech. This isn't a physical injury to the muscles, but rather to the brain part that controls them. It can be caused by genetic conditions, traumatic conditions (like strokes or TBIs), cerebral palsy, and more.

This means that generally speaking, conditions like Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, and strokes can potentially cause a person to be nonverbal, whether due to the above reasons or others.

Intellectual Disability, whether it co-ocurrs with autism or not, can also cause difficulty speaking or an inability to speak. Intellectual disability is a condition that generally causes difficulties with things like reasoning, learning, and problem solving as well as adaptive functioning, which are skills used to navigate life – social, language, communication, practical, etc.

This isn't meant to be an exhaustive list, but generally they are not completely uncommon.

Here is another previous post we've answered, too!

Hope this helps!

– mod sparrow

[a-shade-of-blue]

New Gaza fundraiser asks I've received (11 August)

Ghada Banat (@ghadabanat): Ghada is pregnant and on her latest trimester and is expecting to give birth very soon. Ghada is from a family of 14 and has a 9-month-old daughter. They are trying to evacuate out of Gaza. (https://gofund.me/65f2a341) (#239 on the verified fundraiser spreadsheet vetted by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi.) 

Malk and Ahmed Al Zaeem (@malkzaim): Malk is 14 years old. His grandfather suffers a spinal injury but there is limited meidcal resources in Gaza. Malk and is family is trying to evacuate and ensure his grandfather receives essential medical care abroad. (https://gofund.me/f5a14faa) (#129 on the verified fundraiser list vetted by nabulsi and el-shab-hussein)

Suad Ahmad (@suad-ahmad): Suad and her husband have an infant son Khaled who is born during the current war. Her infant son developed a severe fever due to a chest infection. They, along with her family, are stranded in the streets of Al-Bureij, where a bombing attack and ground invasion is imminent according to multiple sources (!) They are trying to evacuate and find medical treatment for Khaled (https://gofund.me/ebaee2af) (vetted by nabulsi)

Lina (@azaxa): Lina is 25 years old and has two children, 2-year-old Saif and 3-month-old Sidra who was born during the current war. Their home has been destroyed and they are trying to evacuate out of Gaza.  (https://gofund.me/4f077ab2) (Vetted by association. This campaign belongs to a friend of @/mohiy-gaza. Mohi's gfm has been shared by 90-ghost. ana-bananya has been able to confirm this connection by reaching out to Mohi, please see linked post.)

Kareem Almadhoon and family (@kareem-family): Kareem suffers from cerebral palsy and severe malnutrition and needs many medications that are not available. Kareem also has three other siblings Lamees, Maryam and Nour. (https://gofund.me/baf38a35) (shared by 90-ghost)

Sameer Al Khaldi (@sameer-17): Sameer is from a family of 17, including 9 adults and 8 children. Before the current war, his was preparing for his daughter’s wedding which was supposed to take place this summer. One of his son was supposed to finish high school this year and was looking forward to study business in uni.They are trying to evacuate out of Gaza. (https://gofund.me/e61eadec) (Vetted by association. This campaign belongs to a friend of @/mohiy-gaza. Mohi's gfm has been shared by 90-ghost. Both @/ana-bananya and @/dlxxv-vetted-donations has been able to confirm this connection by reaching out to Mohi, please see linked post.)

Ahed and Samah (@ahedalshaer): Ahed is a 22 year old dental student and Samah is 18 years old and supposed to be in high school this year. They are from a family of 7 with 3 brothers: Jamal, Hamdan, and Hamada.Their father is diabetic and their mother suffers from chest infections but there are not medicine or treatment available. They are trying to evacuate out of Gaza. (https://gofund.me/ed54855f) (#407 on the Butterfly Effect Project verified fundraiser list)

Ahmed Jihad (@ahmad-syam-blog): Ahmed is newly wedded right before the current genocide happened, and his daughter was born during the ongoing slaughter. They are trying to survive and evacuate out of Gaza. (https://gofund.me/2768b3a3) (#171 on the Bees and Watermelons verified fundraiser list!) (11 Aug: LOW FUNDS! Currently $598 CAD raised of $40,000 goal.)

The one below is UNVETTED but seems legit:

Malak Al-Mughribi (@malakalmughrabi): Malak and her husband Amjad has a 3-year-old son named Malek. (https://gofund.me/cf2f172e) (This campaign is UNVETTED but seems legit. Her Instagram goes back a decade (See the post she has been tagged in on IG. The earliest she has been tagged in is from 2015, a post she has been tagged in in 2019 is geotagged in Gaza))

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 13 July - 25 July.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 26 July -29 July.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 30 July - 1 August.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 2 August - 5 August.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 6 August - 10 August.

[ur-fav-is-disabled]

Hello Bro ❤️

Here I My Headcanons :3 (These Are All From Sanders Sides)

Logan - Autism

Virgil - Anxiety Disorder + PTSD

Roman - Hard Of Hearing, Legally Blind And Needs Contacts/Glasses To See, Has Mild Scoliosis And Has Cerebal Palsy (I Headcanon Roman Was Born Prematurely)

ROMAN, VIRGIL & LOGAN SANDERS ARE ALL DISABLED!

Disabilities: Vision / Hearing Impaired, Scoliosis, Cerebral Palsy

Definitions:

General Search (Vision Impairment) - any kind of vision loss, whether it's someone who cannot see at all or someone who has partial vision loss.

WHO (Hearing Impairment) - not able to hear as well as someone with normal hearing, meaning hearing thresholds of 20 dB or better in both ears.

NHS Overview (Scoliosis) - where the spine twists and curves to the side.

General Search (Cerebral Palsy) - a condition marked by impaired muscle coordination (spastic paralysis) and / or other disabilities, typically caused by damage to the brain before or at birth.

Disabilities: Anxiety, PTSD

Definitions:

General Search (Anxiety) - excessive feelings of worry or persistent, even intrusive thoughts about certain fears or constant fear in general.

General Search (PTSD) - a condition of persistent mental and emotional stress occurring as a result of injury or severe psychological shock.

Disability - Autism

Definition:

WebMD - a complicated, lifelong condition that includes problems with communication and behaviour.

[brightlotusmoon]

I have dysarthria, a motor speech disorder caused by my cerebral palsy. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, dysarthria occurs because “the muscles of the mouth, face, and respiratory system may become weak, move slowly, or not move at all after a stroke or other brain injury.” My “other brain injury” was my premature birth. At the top of the list of symptoms of dysarthria is slurred speech. The most common activity society associates with slurred speech is being drunk. The fact that I am also Irish does not help matters.

If someone cannot speak properly and they are not drunk, then the other “reasonable” explanation is that there must be some issue with their intellect. While in some cases, that may be true, it is ridiculously unfair to blanket that assumption to every speech impediment. Many people with dysarthria are quite intelligent.

People are so accustomed to the natural development of speech that it is taken for granted. But in fact, it is a skill learned and developed over a lifetime. However, just like tomorrow is never an iron clad guarantee, neither is the mastery of speech. The ability to speak can be taken away at any time -- just ask most anyone who has had a stroke. I personally do not take speech for granted. That is because I have to earn it day in and day out.

The taunt that I hear most often is the classic one, a word that virtually everyone with disabilities gets called at one time or another. I have been called the R word so many times because of my speech, it no longer phases me -- but that does not mean the sting has been taken out of it. The R word is as hateful as the N word.

Despite the taunts, my speech accent has never impelled me to hide or be quiet. Public speaking is one of my skills and I am often asked to do so. I enjoy it and by putting myself out there, I am helping to dispel people's knee jerk reaction to speech impediments. After a few minutes of hearing me, ears adjust to the rhythm of my voice and the passion comes through, illuminating the topic I am speaking on. One could say that I was born for the stage, even with my accent.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

New helmet developed by Brazilian university could save newborns’ lives

Prototype device developed by UFRJ’s neuroprotection and regenerative strategies lab

After eight years of research, a helmet that could save thousands of newborns each year in Brazil is entering the final phase of preparation for distribution in the Unified Health System (SUS).

Developed by the team at the Neuroprotection and Regenerative Strategies Laboratory of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), the device offers a breakthrough compared to existing models on the market, which can cause injuries leading to blindness, deafness, and even cerebral palsy.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), perinatal asphyxia is the third leading cause of newborn mortality globally, accounting for one million deaths annually—23% of the total. In Brazil, the number is estimated at 20,000.

This condition occurs when a baby experiences distress due to a lack of oxygen during childbirth or just before birth, often caused by complications such as placenta deficiencies or an umbilical cord wrapped around the neck.

Continue reading.

[whiskeysmulti]

.Whiskey. Back from the doctor's and going to attempt writing. But medical tw and rant tw under the cut first.

So apparently my last doctor was fired for lying on insurance papers. She had me marked down as a quadrapalegic with severe cerebral palsy. I have never had anything like that in my entire life. The only time paralysis was even mentioned in my entire past was the doctor who oversaw my mother's pregnancy warning her that with spinal cord deformities and spine diseases that paralysis was always possible, there was a chance I could have been born with it but I wasn't. And even one look at my medical history will tell any doctor that I have never had cerebral palsy, (which for those who don't know is basically a brain injury caused by lack of oxygen in the womb) what I have is a sister disease to cerebral palsy and spina bifida. I have Sacral Agenesis (missing the Sacrum of the spine) caused by Caudal Regression Syndrome. Basically big long fancy words to explain there's a deformity to my spine itself, I am missing bones in my spine. Literally that's all it means. Spina Bifida - spinal cord deformity Cerebral Palsy- brain injury Caudal Regression Syndrome- spinal column deformity

There's a huge difference there!

And I am not paralyzed at all, I walk wearing KAFOs, knee, ankle and foot orthotics, AKA leg braces because I have muscle weakness from the knee down.

She marked me down as having Cerebral Palsy and paralysis because my insurance would pay higher for it because Caudal Regression is harder to prove because it's rarer. Cerebral Palsy occurs in the US alone at a rate of 3 children in every 1000 births.

Caudal Regression Syndrome (which is what I actually have) occurs at a rate of 1-3 out of every 60,000 to 100,000 births in the US. (much rarer than Cerebral Palsy.)

Rant aside, going to refill my coffee and get to work. I'm just really pissed she ripped off my insurance because she wasn't even marking my diagnosis correctly!

Inbox: 15 Drafts: 31

[froody]

Welcome to WatchMojo.Com, today we’re counting down the top 10 weird and fucked up things wrong with my body:

10.) One of my legs is slightly thicker than the other because the other one does not gain muscle tone at the same rate. The doctors think this is due to an incredibly mild form of cerebral palsy or perhaps a birth injury.

9.) I have calcium deposits on my optic nerve that make it look like my optic nerve is inflamed, thus terrifying optometrists by indicating I have high inter-cranial pressure. I do not. My optic nerve is just fucked up like that.

8.) A horse at Colonial Williamsburg bit my thumb so hard it fractured it and now my thumb gets sore when it is about to rain.

[noxexistant]

how unhinged have you made crutchie's past

who, meeeeee?

<- (full of innocence) (lying)

okay, so—

as much as i love crutchie having survived polio (and matthew’s apparent backstory that crutchie was injured in a trolley accident, leaving him disabled), i lean to him having cerebral palsy. specifically spastic hemiplegia - which is caused by brain/nerve damage, particularly before during or immediately after birth, and affects one side of the body with spasticity. it’s more common for the arm to be affected, but as it affects a whole side it’s fully possible to affect a leg in addition to or in worse severity. and it can also be caused by traumatic brain injuries, so it’s entirely possible for it to tie in with matthew’s trolley accident backstory.

so. crutchie was born disabled - to some degree - and was already unwanted, so he was soon abandoned on the steps of a manhattan church, newborn but too small even for that. he had no note or trinket or anything, just an old shirt wrapped around him to make something of a blanket, but seán was stitched into the collar of the shirt, so the nuns decided he at least had a name. crutchie frequently wonders if the name had been his father’s, or perhaps his mother’s father’s, but he’d soon stopped caring. seán wasn’t his name, and he didn’t wear it for long - as he got old enough for his disability to become apparent, the nuns began to call him claudius, a play on the latin claudus, meaning crippled. some might’ve been offended - and maybe crutchie was, for a little while, if only for being forced to face once again all that made him different - but the nuns weren’t being unkind, crutchie believes. he is crippled. they were just right. nothing wrong with telling the truth, especially not with making a joke out of it.

over time, claudius became claude, then carl or “col” to the boys who couldn’t get their tongue around it - which was plenty. they’d all been abandoned to the streets and churches for reasons, after all. some pulled “charlie” out of thin air, apparently deciding it was close enough. some called him “casey”. crutchie learnt to walk with makeshift canes made from sticks of discarded wood, then with real canes which were lost or donated but never the right height, and finally he got his crutch - one of the nuns had a nurse friend, and she’d gifted one of the old ones from the hospital upon finding out about claude.

some time around age eleven or twelve, crutchie met jack kelly for the first time, when they were both selling papes on the street, both by themselves. jack was still francis then, francis sullivan, but he scowled around the name as he said it, in a way crutchie recognised and understood. jack asked what crutchie’s name was then, and crutchie thought about it.

“what, ain’t you sure?” jack’d teased. “y’ain’t decided yet?”

crutchie hadn’t. he had plenty to pick from, and he liked claude the most, but he didn’t like that the joke was lost on most people. he likes the joke - the sort of joke that’s just saying the truth like a bullet to the chest. crutchie’s always found those sorts of jokes the funniest. they’re the types the nuns always told.

so, “crutchie,” he’d said, and jack had burst into startled laughter in a way nobody had ever done to claude.

“that’s good, that’s real good,” he’d said sincerely, still grinning, a little breathless from his laughter. “y’know, i gots a friend called ‘blink’.”

“‘s he blind?” crutchie asked eagerly.

jack grinned wider. “half,” he clarified, and put a palm over one eye like a patch. crutchie laughed.

“you should come meet him,” jack’d said. “meet everyone. there’s a few of us. i gots myself a li’l gang, people says. we lives in the lodging house. the one fer newsies, y’know?”

crutchie did know. he’d seen the place before, but always doubted he’d have much place there. he don’t seem to have much place anywhere, hardly even in the church, and didn’t have much to ever do beside selling papes out on the street by himself, spending his nights listening to the nuns talk about god ‘cause they’re the only ones ever willing to speak to him. but jack was grinning, bouncing impatiently on his heels, and he sure looked like he wanted crutchie to come. kind of looked like he wasn’t gonna take no for an answer.

so, crutchie’d gone. and though he’d gone back home to the church that night, it was only a few weeks later he was moving into the lodging house, and only a few days after that he and jack were hauling themselves up to the roof to make a penthouse.

and crutchie’s never since hesitated to introduce himself with a grin. he’s crutchie.

(but you can call him claude, so long as you know the joke.)

[mindorabydisha]

Rj Mitte has Cerebral Palsy? Understanding Cerebral Palsy: A Psychologist's perspective

- Disha Arunagiri

Counselling Psychologist

Yes, RJ Mitte has cerebral palsy

Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three. He wore casts for six months to straighten his feet and used crutches and leg braces for most of his childhood. Mitte has used his platform to advocate for representation of people with disabilities in the media and arts. He has also sought out acting roles that would educate people about his disability.

Understanding Cerebral Palsy: A Psychologist's perspective

This October 6th was considered as World Cerebral Palsy Day, we join hands globally to raise awareness about cerebral palsy.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, and posture. It is caused by damage that occurs to the immature brain as it develops, most often before birth. This condition affects individuals differently, with varying degrees of severity. Understanding cerebral palsy is crucial for fostering a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy (cp) is a group of disorders that impact a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. The term "cerebral" refers to the brain, and "palsy" refers to weakness or problems with using the muscles. It is the most common motor disability in childhood.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is often caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain. The damage can occur before, during, or shortly after birth. Some potential causes include:

1. Prenatal factors: Infections during pregnancy, maternal health issues, and genetic mutations.

2. Perinatal factors: Complications during labor and delivery, such as lack of oxygen to the brain.

3. Postnatal factors: Early childhood infections, brain injury, or events like strokes.

Types of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is classified based on the type of movement disorder involved. The main types include:

1. Spastic Cerebral Palsy: The most common type, characterized by stiff muscles and awkward movements. It is further categorized based on which limbs are affected.

2. Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: Involves uncontrolled movements, which can be slow and writhing or rapid and jerky.

3. Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: Characterized by problems with balance and coordination.

4. Mixed Cerebral Palsy: Some individuals exhibit symptoms of more than one type of cerebral palsy.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary greatly among individuals. Common signs include:

- Delays in reaching motor skill milestones, such as rolling over, sitting, or walking.

- Abnormal muscle tone, either too stiff or too floppy.

- Poor coordination and balance.

- Involuntary movements or tremors.

- Difficulty with fine motor skills, like writing or buttoning a shirt.

Diagnosing cerebral palsy involves a combination of medical history, physical exams, and various tests such as MRI or CT scans. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing the condition effectively.

Treatment and Management

While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment plans are tailored to individual needs and may include:

- Physical Therapy: To improve strength, flexibility, and mobility.

- Occupational Therapy: To assist with daily activities and enhance fine motor skills.

- Speech Therapy: To address communication challenges.

- Medications: To manage muscle spasticity and other symptoms.

- Surgery: In some cases, to correct physical abnormalities and improve function.

Despite these challenges, individuals with CP often lead fulfilling lives with the right support and resources.

As a psychologist, the focus is often on the mental and emotional well-being of individuals with CP, as well as their families. Understanding the psychological impact of CP is crucial in providing comprehensive support and fostering an inclusive society.

Psychological Impact on Individuals with CP

1. Emotional Well-being: Living with CP can sometimes lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, or anxiety, especially if there is a lack of understanding or support from society. It's important to acknowledge these emotions and provide spaces where individuals can express and manage their feelings.

2. Self-esteem and Identity: The visible nature of CP can affect self-esteem, particularly during formative years. Positive reinforcement, inclusive environments, and highlighting strengths and abilities are essential in building a strong sense of self.

3. Social Relationships: Forming and maintaining relationships can be challenging due to physical limitations or societal stigma. Encouraging social interactions and providing inclusive opportunities for engagement can help build meaningful connections.

Supporting Families of Individuals with CP

Families play a crucial role in the lives of individuals with CP. They often face their own set of challenges, including emotional stress, financial strain, and the need for continuous caregiving. Psychological support for families can include:

1. Counseling and Therapy: Professional guidance can help families navigate the emotional landscape of raising a child with CP, providing coping strategies and emotional support.

2. Support Groups: Connecting with other families in similar situations can provide a sense of community and shared understanding. These groups can be a source of practical advice and emotional solidarity.

3. Educational Resources:Providing families with information about CP, available therapies, and adaptive technologies can empower them to make informed decisions and advocate effectively for their loved ones.

Promoting Inclusion and Awareness

On World Cerebral Palsy Day, it’s vital to emphasize the importance of inclusion and awareness. Here are some steps we can take:

1. Education: Educate ourselves and others about CP to dispel myths and reduce stigma. Awareness campaigns and educational programs in schools and workplaces can promote understanding and acceptance.

2. Advocacy: Support policies and initiatives that promote accessibility and inclusion. Advocacy can lead to improved services, better accessibility, and greater recognition of the rights of individuals with CP.

3. Community Involvement: Encourage community activities that are inclusive of individuals with CP. Participation in sports, arts, and social events can provide a sense of belonging and achievement.

Cerebral palsy is just one aspect of a person’s identity. By understanding the psychological impact and providing comprehensive support, we can help individuals with CP lead empowered, fulfilling lives. On this World Cerebral Palsy Day, let’s commit to raising awareness, promoting inclusion, and supporting the mental and emotional well-being of those affected by CP. Together, we can build a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive.

I hope this helps everyone to educated about Cerebral Palsy. Thank you for reading.

Disha Arunagiri

Counselling Psychologist

Follow me on Instagram for more content

DM for free 30 minutes consultation

[cripplecharacters]

I want to have the character be (physically) disabled, but still physically active. Is there any way I can write this?

Hi! I am trying to write a action based series, but I want to give one of the main (teenage) characters a disability that affects their movement.

I want the character to be physically active, maybe a martial artist, but I want to have them be disabled as well, in a way that actually affects them and the story (not just cosmetically disabling them, essentially)

The story isn’t supposed to be centred around this, and I don’t want to use it as a “punishment” or “cure” it- I want it to be something that have already adapted to.

When I search up disabled athletes to find stories/ references for this character, it’s all missing limbs, which is not what I am going for with this character

Do you have anything that can help me?

Hello, anon - Something to start with is what do you mean by "mobility related disability", as there are a lot of things that could go under that category. I would recommend thinking more of what you want - something more dynamic or static, something acquired (whether through injury or illness) or something from birth, or even something genetic or hereditary that was triggered or got worse later in life? Do you want something that gets worse as time goes by, or something that won't continue to progress?

That being said and considered, have you considered a dynamic disability? A dynamic disability is a disability that varies in severity. It may be something that "flares" one day and is less severe potentially another day. An example is arthritis or often fibromyalgia. The disability doesn't disappear day to day, but the use of mobility aids or other disability aids for example may differ from day to day. Some are progressive and some are static, and it can be acquired, from birth, or a combination.

A thing to keep in mind for dynamic disability that many people talk about in these spaces is borrowing energy. You may have a good day where you push to do more, but this could lead to the next day having more severe symptoms.

Here's a link, for example, about martial arts for people with arthritis.

Another suggestion that I always like to add is Cerebral Palsy! There are a variety of ways the disorder can affect someone, from more severe to more mild, and people can adapt in really interesting ways. Here is a great link about a martial artist who adapts for his cerebral palsy and teaches others.

If anyone has any other suggestions or experiences, let us know in the replies or comments!

-Mod Bert

[whistlingstarlight]

For character thoughts Crutchie cause I could straight up talk about him for ages

Same same same! I love Crutchie 💖

Okay now usually I tend to refer to the more common depiction of him as a polio survivor, but I wanna talk a bit about him in the UK show, as Matthew Duckett gave me some very interesting insights when I talked to him on one of my last visits:

According to Matthew, his Crutchie is neither a polio survivor nor does he have cerebral palsy like Matthew himself does. Instead, his Crutchie likely received his injury in a trolley accident, either getting on or off whilst trying to sell to passengers.

This is a bit of a morbid backstory, but honestly I love it. Accidents happen, shit happens. A lot of newsies lost limbs, eyes and such in a variety of ways, accidents like a trolley running over your leg isn't out of the equation.

To me that implies he had another name as a newsie before the accident, whether that was his birth name or perhaps a different nickname. Was the switch to Crutchie one he came up with to adjust to the situation, or one given to him? If it's the latter, did he accept it willingly or take time to adjust?

I've seen some people interpret Crutchie as having developed the polio before being a newsie or during, but Matthew's backstory confirms his version of Crutchie became disabled during his time selling papers. And as someone who also received a long-term injury on the job, I feel very seen.

I plan on asking Matthew more about this when I see the show again next month, the amount of research he's done on newsies and how disabled people were treated in the time period makes his portrayal feel very authentic.

This ended up a bit more meta than intended😅 If you're after more headcanon stuff you can find some on this post: https://www.tumblr.com/whistlingstarlight/719507295742115840/if-youre-still-looking-to-infodump-about-the?source=share

[heyiappreciateyourshoelaces]

Happy Disability Pride Month!

July is Disability Pride Month, so I decided that this would be the best time to post.

As a disabled woman, It has always been a feature, but it's only really fully hit me just how little representation we have in media. (Though, I will note, neurodivergencies are being significantly more represented as of late, which makes me happy)

Just think for a second when was the last time you saw a disabled character who:

1. Is a named character

2. Has a NAMED disability and/or the effects are PROPERLY described (the specific name of the disability is brought up)

3. Their disability isn't a plot device (it is only really there in order to help something happen in the plot)

4. It isn't just a superpower that the character treats as if it's the worst thing

E.g ‘Oh no, I have the power to control lightning but it makes my life so hard’ (unless it actually legitimately stops them from doing things or makes it difficult to do certain things- you get what I mean)

And this last one is just a suggestion, but the only disabilities I really see, are caused by things- (e.g Prof. X) and don't get me wrong! That is JUST as valid. It's just that- it's the ONLY thing I ever seem to see. I never see anyone with Cerebral Palsy for example- (1 in every 500 have some form of it) which is a disability that people have from birth, it is the second most common disability in the world.

(Top three are Arthritis, Cerebral Palsy and Spinal Chord Injuries)

I'm just- sick and tired of either not seeing any representation, or a random background character with no name and no description that the producers just looked at had were like- ‘Just throw them in a wheelchair! It gives them character and if gets us bonus points for inclusivity!’

Again- don't get me wrong. People who use wheelchairs are COMPLETELY valid, it's just that it's often an easy get-out-of-jail-free card in writing.

So yeah. I want- no- DEMAND to see myself and people like me, represented.

(Also, here. Have ‘Sunflower’ the song. I’m making it part of my campaign because y’know- sunflowers.)

[weemstar]

hey while I'm here

I love people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Like if there was ever a group in the disability community who get downright ignored and left out, I'm sorry that it's you. I'm sorry people leave you out. I'm sorry activism is shaky at best and accommodations favor the independent.

People with dyscalcula

People with dyslexia

Dysgraphia you too, I know you're not noticed a lot.

Fragile X (Martin Bell), you're here too I didn't forget about you

People with brain injuries

ADHD and Autism havers

OCD folks, I see you very much

People with cerebral palsy

People with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Folks with Apert Syndrome

Legionnaires disease, yes you as well

Down Syndrome people I see you

Developmental Delays and Motor Delays who are unsure of what it is, I see you too

Folks who developed a mental disability after a battle with an illness like meningitis

Folks who were poisoned by things like lead or mercury

Those who nearly lost their battle with drug addiction and came out with mental scars

People who experienced an injury or complication pre, during, or post birth.

Folks experiencing dementia, alzheimers, and other such disorders, especially those experiencing them "too early"

Parents with intellectual abilities who hope their children never have to deal with it, and disabled parents who try very hard for their children every day despite the societal stigma

Children with intellectual disabilities who will never know what its like to just be any other kid

Those who can't afford expensive treatment

Those who aren't "disabled enough" to be given benefits

Those who wish life was different, or that other people had been more careful

Those who live short lives

Those that aren't aware and those that are

Those who need special accommodations everywhere they go

Those that need expensive wheelchairs and crutches and machines to get around and live

Those who need things simplified for them but constantly get infantilized

Those of us who've been taken advantage of for our disabilities in a moment where we could not help ourselves

Those that suffer near constantly for something they did not want

Those of us I simply could not find to mention (list them if I missed any, yell at me over it)

Those of us in the past who have been abused, abandoned, and hurt by the people who were meant to help us.

And especially, to those of us who have been lost:

You touched the lives of many before you left this world, and the world still did not hear you enough to give you the proper help you deserved.

You were a person regardless of what you could do on your own, and you were not treated properly. Rest easy, and may you be at peace and without pain.

And to you, reader of this post, include those of us who can't speak for ourselves in your activism for disability rights. Many of us can't take a stand and speak for ourselves, but you can.

[raaga-dubai]

Delivering World Class Paediatric Occupational Therapy

There are specific milestones that a child needs to accomplish throughout the different stages of infancy. These include crawling, walking, running, hopping, jumping, and riding a bicycle, also called gross motor skills—the movement of large muscle groups. When developmental milestones are delayed, it should be a major concern. This is because the delays could be the result of inherent learning difficulties or other conditions that are collectively termed developmental difficulties.

Developmental delays can manifest as sensory and cognitive challenges. Paediatric occupational therapy refers to the process of using various techniques to engage children in meaningful activities to overcome and manage such sensory and cognitive challenges. This therapy equips the child to be independent in daily life. It also helps amplify cognitive functions. Activities include daily chores, self-care skills, educational games, etc. An occupational therapist evaluates a child’s abilities and devises a therapy regimen that could help in the effective development of those abilities. Our experts, who are specialised in speech therapy services for children, can give an accurate evaluation. A therapist closely observes a child to look for areas that need to be addressed.

Who might need Occupational Therapy?

OT can help kids and teens who have:

Birth injuries or birth defects

Sensory processing disorders

Traumatic injuries to the brain or spinal cord

Learning problems

Autism

Mental health or Behavioural problems

Developmental delays

Post-surgical conditions

Multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and other chronic illnesses

When it comes to learning difficulties, early detection and intervention are necessary. Our Paediatric occupation therapy specialists in Dubai can help with effective management of the symptoms by easily recognizing their warning signs like.

Avoiding eye contact consistently

Appearing to ignore or acknowledge the presence of people nearby

Displaying unusual gestures like finger flicking, rocking, pacing, etc.

Not engaging in spoken language at all.

Delayed or unusual speech pattern.

Hypersensitive or insensitive to pain, light, or noise.

Unwilling to engage in social interaction, play, etc.

Thus, occupational therapy offers many benefits to children with special needs and developmental delays. At first, a child’s strengths and challenges are thoroughly assessed to develop a highly personalised training programme. The training encourages active participation from the parents or the primary caretaker as well. Apart from school, children spent most of the time either with their parents or primary carers. So their active involvement becomes necessary.

The benefits of OT include:

Develop fine motor skills so they can grasp and release toys and develop good handwriting or computer skills.

Improve eye–hand coordination so they can play and do needed school skills such as bat a ball and copy from a blackboard.

Master basic life skills such as bathing, getting dressed, brushing teeth, and self-feeding.

Learn positive behaviours and social skills by practicing how they manage frustration and anger.

Get special equipment to help build their independence

Our trained professionals in paediatric occupational therapy Dubai can assist kids in developing their fine and gross motor skills, muscle strength, postural stability, oral-motor skills, feeding, handwriting, visual motor skills, sensory skills, and motor skills.

As one of the best special education schools in Dubai we ensure that your child is well prepared and various fun activities and techniques like use of play dough, art, crafts, and fun games, as well as indoor and outdoor activities are used to accomplish these benefits.

So if you think your child needs Occupational Therapy you can get in touch with our Speech language therapist in Dubai. We also provide assessment and personalised training to children of all ages. Please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help.