Cerebral Palsy

Check out this website:
www.center-for-independence.org/
They work through Conductive Education and are geared towards special needs. I was a Nanny for a Family in Crystal Lake who has a set of twin boys and one of them has CP and attends this school 2-3 times a week instead of going to his public shool on those days. His Mother is in the process of starting her own School in the Crystal Lake area and should be open by next summer. The parents are both Doctors. The Father works at Caring Family in Crystal Lake and his name is Dr. Gancayco. You might want to try calling the office and see if you can speak with him. He is a very good Doctor, especially for special needs children.
Here is the office info:
781 McHenry Avenue, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
###-###-####
My personal advice is to make sure you find time for yourself too, so you can feel less stressed. Then you can really be the best parent you can be. Keep pursuing all your options. There is information out there, just keep asking and looking.
Best Wishes!

I just lloked up your question and thought I would respond. I have a almost 3 year old with very bad CP. Non-verbal, blind, wheelchair, the works. I read your question and was wondering if you have looked into Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments(HBOT)? They have done wounders for my child and also from many mild children. If you would like to learn more you can go to hbotmanual.com.
~S.

Hi L.-

I would suggest extra therapy outside of school. I know that there are Horseback riding therapies that are offered. My girlfriends son has CP. She suggests that you do not limit her to certain things. Kids are amazing and will suprise you. Learning activities are great such as Pixter, Leapster ect.
I guess what I am trying to say is that just treat her as you do her sister and do not restrict from the abilities that she will have that many will not realize she will even be capable of. My son has a rare disability, and the Dr's told me that he would never be able to ride a bike ect. Well he does and not only that but he is amazing at sports. Your daughter may learn a little slower but she will get there! I hope this helps.

T.

I have a son who just turned 20 in October. He is blind, has cp tendencies, nuerologic disorder, seizure disorder, etc.. just an idea of my young mans issues. He has an older sister and a younger brother. Keep doing what you are doing. Difficult yes, no one said motherhood would be easy. Stick to your guns and inform anyone dealing with your little princess's that the wheelchair, or any medical device is for assistance when needed. The more you let everyone know what you want for your child to develope at her own speed is to be treated as a capable individual. L.

L. -

It sounds like you are doing tons for her. i would recommend getting some therapy evaluations outside of the school system as clinic and school based services are different. I am not sure where you live but Easter Seals has 3 locations and they have expert therapists therefore, especially for children with CP. They even have evening support groups for parents and kids including siblings. Their main phone # - ###-###-####.

L.

Hi L.!
My son has CP and a seizure disorder. The earliest intervention you can get your kids, the better off they will be. I would start with Easter Seals... I see someone has already posted the number. They can help you get any equipment you need. They can also connect you with the DCSS, but there are some limitations there. You can also get additional financial aid through Public Aid, sorry... I don't have the number on hand. When your daughter gets into school, they will insist on assistive equipment, such as wheelchairs and gate-trainers. But fortunately, the school will assist with financial demands and needs. However, public schools are very limited and very intrusive, to put it nicely. They will insist on things your daughter may not be ready to do, such as potty training too early, but for their convenience. Best advice; get an advocacy lawyer or hook-up with a special needs advocacy group that will insure that your daughter's needs and your well-being is respected. YOU must be your daughter's best advocate, and the school must be made aware of your daughter's special needs and rights. Keep a day planner handy! There are some websites that help you plan an EIP Plan for meetings at school, jsut google them. Best of luck and much love to your darlings!

I just wanted to pass along some encouragement! You have a tough road ahead but what a great thing you are giving your daughter- the ability to be as independent as possible. I wish you and your family the best of Doctors and guidance. Stay strong- your daughter sounds like a fighter! :)

Hi L., I want to let you know that there are respite services available to you depending on where you live. Even if you don't feel the need now, it is best to get a head start. Respite services would allow you to get a much needed break and be able to leave your little one with someone trained and qualified to watch her (or even both of them, depending on the organization). United Cerebral Palsy in Joliet might be able to help. Their phone number is ###-###-####. They also have a school on site. Depending on where you live you can also call your case coordination unit. For DuPage County it is PACT. I hope this info helps. Keep up the good work!