FAQs about cerebral palsy and disability
For general questions about disability issues, please contact the Scope Helpline on 0808 800 3333 or email response@scope.org.uk
What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a physical condition that affects movement, posture and co-ordination. It is caused by damage to the immature brain, and is a diverse condition with effects varying from very mild to very severe.
I’ve just been told that my child is likely to have cerebral palsy – what’s next?
The time of diagnosis can be a very difficult time for families. We would suggest that you contact Scope Response where our helpline workers can provide you with information about the condition and answer many of your questions. We can also send you information and recommend other support services that may help. Scope also has a small network of Regional Response Workers across England and Wales. Our Response Workers can offer families support around cerebral palsy and particularly at time of diagnosis. Referral to a local Regional Worker can be made via the Helpline.
I have cerebral palsy and seem to be having more difficulties as I get older. I thought that cerebral palsy wasn’t supposed to get worse?
Although cerebral palsy is non-progressive, meaning the impairment to the brain is unchanging. However, the effects on the body may change over time. Many people find that they experience more physical and emotional difficulties as they get older. Read more about ageing and cerebral palsy.
Call our Helpline for further information or you can also talk to other people with similar experiences on the Scope forum.
What therapy is right for me or my child?
There are numerous treatments and therapies available for people with cerebral palsy and similar impairments. Some are offered via mainstream NHS sources and others are private and there will be a charge. It is important to remember that due to the differing nature of cerebral palsy, some treatements and therapies will suit one individual but not another. You need to find what is right for you or your child and meets individual requirements.
Scope does not endorse or recommend any treatments or therapies and we would always advise consulting a doctor or medical practitioner before undertaking or paying for any therapy. Also check if the treatment or therapy is supported by independent research and/or randomized controlled trials.
Read more about treatments and therapies available in England and Wales for children and adults with cerebral palsy and associated impairments.
I have a question about disability in general – who should I contact?
Scope Response will certainly do its best to help and point you towards other sources of help.
You might also take a look at our list of other disability organisations as well as cerebral palsy organisations outside England and Wales.
I am a parent – where can I find more information?
Scope Response is the first port of call for parents. Please download our free parents pack or contact our Helpline for a copy.
We can also put you in touch with a range of Scope services either in your area or which specialise such as your nearest Face 2 Face project, which offers a one-to-one befriending service for parents discovering their child is disabled.
You can also talk to other parents and disabled people in our forum.
I am a professional - how can I get information on training?
Scope provides some bespoke training, consultancy and products for early years professionals working with disabled children. Please contact our Early Years Team.
I have an access problem – what are my rights?
Businesses only have to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate disabled people. Information about what constitutes a reasonable adjustment under both the Disability Discrimination Act and The Equality Act 2010 can be found on the Gov UK website.
If you want to change access in your area, why not join our Campaigns Network?
Can you recommend disability equipment?
Unfortunately we are not able to recommend any particular products but would suggest contacting the Disabled Living Foundation who specialise in providing information on disabled equipment and adaptations. You can contact them via www.dlf.org.uk or by calling 0845 130 9177.
You should also speak to your GP if you need any equipment either in the home or to aid with your mobility. They should be able to advise about local sources to help or refer you to your local Social Services or NHS provision.
Your local DIAL (Disability Information Group) may have details of organisations in your area that hire wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Where can I find holidays that are accessible to disabled people?
If you have an idea of where you would like to go on holiday in the UK, you could contact a local DIAL in that area, they may have local knowledge of holiday accommodation that is suitable for disabled people.
Read more general guidance on holidays for disabled people and their families plus useful organisations that may be able to help you. A specialist agency such as Tourism for All should be best placed to advise.
You could also check Disability Now’s holiday adverts.
Can I take my wheelchair on the plane?
Our experience has been that airlines do not allow people to travel in their own wheelchairs and that the reason given for this is that wheelchairs are not crash tested to airline standards. Instead, people are normally expected to travel in a standard aircraft seat with additional support and/or harness as necessary. Often these arrangements mean that people are seated in less comfort than they would if they were using their own equipment.
For guidance about air travel for disabled people, try www.flying-with-disability.org
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