On 15 July 2021 we held a webinar titled “Sharing experiences from our practice of working with children with cerebral palsy – the hidden opportunities”. The webinar was led by Karin Dom therapists Andreas Andreu – kinesiotherapist and Aneta Morfova – speech therapist. The webinar aroused great interest – nearly 100 participants from the field of education and children’s social services took part.
With the help of photo and video illustrations, we briefly introduced the participants to the theoretical foundations and functional capabilities of people with cerebral palsy. We started by presenting information about the condition cerebral palsy, types of cerebral palsy, associated conditions, degrees of impairment. We emphasized that all children can learn and develop as long as they are provided with the right environment and opportunities to do so. We talked about communication, developing skills for independence in everyday life, the ability to move and participate in games and fun. At the core of all the activities are correct positioning and assistance, which change according to the desired activity – eating, playing, learning, resting, sleeping.
We ended by saying that people with cerebral palsy have needs and rights like everyone else – to get a good education and find a job that brings them satisfaction, to have friendships and a social life, to achieve independence and a sense of fulfilment.
The webinar was held as part of the project “Transfer of practices to improve support for children special needs and their families for inclusive education”, funded by the Active Citizens Fund Bulgaria under the EEA Financial Mechanism 2014-2021.