What can Capability do for me?

Factsheets

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a term used to describe a disorder affecting body movement and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to one of the parts of the developing brain which controls and organises a person's movement and posture. Because of this messages between the body and brain are 'scrambled'. No two people with CP will be affected in the same way. For some people the effects will be very mild. For others they can be severe or profound with many variations in between.

What is cerebral palsy? (pdf, 60KB, opens in new window) This booklet will help you to have a better understanding of the physical and medical aspects of cerebral palsy. We hope it will be a source of information to anyone who wishes to know more about the condition.
What is Cerebral Palsy? (Bengali) (pdf, 82KB)
What is Cerebral Palsy? (Cantonese) (pdf, 212KB)
What is Cerebral Palsy? (Mandarin) (pdf, 212KB)
What is Cerebral Palsy? (Punjabi) (pdf, 65KB)
What is Cerebral Palsy? (Urdu) (pdf, 277KB)
Pregnancy and Parenthood for people with Cerebral Palsy 2011 (pdf, 53KB) This fact sheet has been put together with the help of the Disability Pregnancy and Parenthood International (DPPI) and mothers and fathers with cerebral palsy (CP) to provide answers to some of the questions that you may have about CP, pregnancy and birth.
Cerebral Palsy and Visual Impairment 2011 (pdf, 51KB) Although cerebral palsy mainly causes difficulty with movement other conditions may occur. This is because other parts of the brain may also be affected and this can lead to visual impairment. This factsheet provides more information.
An Introduction to Ageing and Cerebral Palsy 2011 (pdf, 45KB) The concept of ageing and cerebral palsy is now becoming more recognised and more research is being undertaken. However many people including some professionals think that because cerebral palsy is a non-progressive disorder physical function will remain much the same throughout life, however this is not necessarily the case. This factsheet gives more information.
Drooling and Cerebral Palsy 2010 (pdf, 39KB) Drooling occurs in about one third of people with cerebral palsy. This factsheet gives more information about why and what can be done.
Conductive Education 2011 (pdf, 97KB) Conductive Education is a learning system designed to enable children and adults with disabilities to achieve greater independence. This factsheet explains what Conductive Education is, how it is used, and its practice in Britain.
Challenging Behaviour and Cerebral Palsy 2011 (pdf, 109KB) Challenging behaviour is a term that has been used to describe “difficult” or problematic behaviour. This factsheet gives an introduction to the different types of challenging behaviour, possible reasons for the behaviour and the management of the behaviour.
Sleep Difficulties in Children 2011 (pdf, 111KB) Research has shown that disabled children are more likely to have persistent problems in settling to sleep. This factsheet provides an introduction to possible causes and solutions.
Medical and Surgical Treatments to Treat Spasticity 2010 (pdf, 51KB) Besides physiotherapy, there are a number of medical and surgical procedures available that are used to manage spasticity. This factsheet looks at three relatively new medical and surgical techniques.
Lycra Dynamic Splinting 2011 (pdf, 41KB) Lycra dynamic splinting is a form of support, made from a strong lycra material which has been found to benefit some people with cerebral palsy. This factsheet provides more information about lycra dynamic splinting.
Cerebral Palsy Research 2011 (pdf, 43KB) This factsheet provides information about the Cerebral Palsy Register for Scotland as well as other UK Registers and research carried out using information from all the Registers.
Dolphin Therapy 2011 (pdf, 44KB) This factsheet provides information about dolphin therapy, how it works and contact details for the therapy centres. It also includes information about research and concerns about ethical issues.
Introduction to Therapy 2011 (pdf, 302KB, opens in new window) Usually when we talk about therapy for people with cerebral palsy we mean the three mainstream therapies - physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, or forms of treatment that involve some or all of these. This fact sheet aims to give you some basic information about these therapies and how they can help.

Living with Disability

Living with a disability can be much easier when you can get the information you need easily. We have information below about the most popular topics people contact the Advice Service about. Hopefully this will answer any questions you have, however if it doesn't, please get in touch with us and we will try to help.

Leisure Pursuits 2012 (pdf, 110KB, opens in new window) This factsheet provides details of some of the leisure activities for disabled people across Scotland, including sports and social clubs.
Moving to Scotland 2011 (pdf, 45KB) This factsheet lists a selection of information sources that may help a disabled person or a family with a disabled child plan their move to, or within, Scotland.
Equipment 2010 (pdf, 31KB) Some people with cerebral palsy or other disabilities need specialist equipment to assist them in their everyday lives. This factsheet provides information about where to get equipment.
Community Care 2011 (pdf, 91KB, opens in new window) This factsheet provides useful information for disabled people and/or carers regarding community care.
Mobility and Transport 2011 (pdf, 429KB) This factsheet provides information on different types of transport available including transport schemes and organizations concerned with disabled people’s different transport needs.
Wills and Trusts 2011 (pdf, 70KB, opens in new window) This factsheet addresses concerns about how best to provide financial support for a disabled child. It provides information for parents about writing a will and setting up a trust.
Housing Adaptations 2011 (pdf, 87KB, opens in new window) This factsheet provides information about the different options that disabled people may have when considering how to find an accessible house.
Housing 2011 (pdf, 92KB, opens in new window) This factsheet provides information about the different options that disabled people may have when considering how to find an accessible house.
Holiday Information 2012 (pdf, 146KB, opens in new window) This factsheet provides selected information on accessible holidays, including accommodation, activity holidays, and holiday companies