Cerebral Palsy Resources

Now What?

Every person is different and handles situations differently, but hearing for the first time that your child has cerebral palsy is difficult for any parent. “What does this mean for my child?” and “Now what?” are common questions parents ask after learning of the diagnosis. Learning to navigate the numerous medical and community resources can be challenging. Caring for a child with special needs can also be very emotionally difficult and can create stress upon the family.

Every county is different in the services offered to children with special needs. It is important to become educated about what services are offered in your area. There are many social workers at Nationwide Children's Hospital who would be happy to help you access all appropriate services for your child. Ask your physician or the nurse to link you with the clinic social worker and she will be happy to help you with any needs or questions that you might have. You can also call the Clinical Services and Care Coordination Department at (614) 722-6300 and ask to speak to a social worker.

Finding other parents who are experiencing similar situations can also be very helpful. It is often helpful to talk to someone who understands what you are going through and has gone through similar difficulties. This is also a good way to get “first hand” information on how the system really works and tips on how to navigate the community agencies. 

Cerebral Palsy Resource Listing

The following is a list of community agencies, websites, and literature that can be helpful to you throughout your journey with your child:

To learn more about CP, visit the CDC website. 

To find the contact information for your local Help Me Grow.

To find the contact information for your county MRDD.

For the current Summer Camp Directory and Family Resource Directory, contact the State Support Team - Region 11 or call (614) 542-4189

Support Groups

• CP Parent Resource Group - This is a group of parents in central Ohio who have children with CP. They have monthly meetings and other scheduled activities.
• United Cerebral Palsy of Central Ohio - United Cerebral Palsy of Central Ohio is a private, non-profit agency whose mission is to provide an environment where people with disabilities and aging conditions receive individualized programs and support services. Phone: (614) 279-0109
• Epilepsy Foundation of Central Ohio - Provides counseling, case management, support groups, summer camps, and other family activities and supportive services. Phone: (614) 358-0874 or Toll Free: (800) 878-3226

Literature

• Teaching Motor Skills to Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Guide for Parents and Professionals, by Sieglinde Martin, M.S., P.T.
• Finding A Way: Living with Cerebral Palsy, by Brenda Bilbrey.  A children’s book written by someone with CP.
• Children with Cerebral Palsy Second Edition: A Parent’s Guide, by Elaine Geralis.

Outpatient Therapies

• Nationwide Children's Hospital Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Pathology and Recreational Therapy: (614) 722-2200    
• Columbus Speech and Hearing: (614) 263-5151
  Audiology & Hearing Aid Services
  Speech-Language & Occupational Therapy
  Program for the Deaf
• Easter Seals of Central and Southeast Ohio: (614) 228-5523 or (800) 860-5523
  Provide a range of services including early intervention, summer camp, outpatient therapy and recreation programs.

Recreation

• Miracle League - Baseball for children with special needs and typically functioning friends.
• The Adaptive Adventure Sports Coalition (TAASC) - A non-profit organization that offers individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate in sports and recreational activities.
• Locker Soccer and TOP Soccer Columbus - Special-needs soccer program and soccer classes
• CCYHA/Special Hockey Association (ASHA)/USA Hockey - Special-needs Hockey
• Wendy’s Gymnastics and Fitness for Children - (614) 486-8004
• Blaze Sports Columbus - The mission of Blaze Sports America is to advance the lives of youth and adults with physical disability through sport and healthy lifestyles.
• Special Olympics Ohio - Year-round sports training and competition opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
• The Ohio State University Adapted Recreational Sports(ARS) - (614) 688-8787
• Recreation Unlimited - (740) 548-7006
  Provides year-round programs in sports, recreation and education for individuals with disabilities.            

Camps

• Camp Recky: The Ohio State University Department of Recreational Sports - (614) 688-8787
• Camp Can Do YMCA of Central Ohio - (614) 543-9000, ext. 212
  Special summer day camp for children and young adults with moderate to intensive special needs, ages 6 through 21 years.
• Epilepsy Foundation of Central Ohio - (614) 358-0874 or Toll Free: (800) 878-3226
  “Camp Firebird”: Children who are between the ages of 7 and 17 with a primary diagnosis of epilepsy are eligible to attend this residential camp.
   “Camp for Champs”: Day Camp that incorporates therapeutic horseback riding
• Columbus Recreation & Parks Therapeutic Recreation Camps - (614) 645-5648

Fully accessible playgrounds

• “Preston’s HOPE”
  50 Lochspur Ln
  Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
  (216) 464-0041
• Dublin Miracle Playground
  Darree Field Park
  6259 Cosgray Rd
  Dublin, OH
• Fryer Park/Discovery Frontier
  3899 Orders Rd.
  Grove City, OH
  (614) 277-3050

Educational and Legal Rights:

• Ohio Department of Education (ODE)
  ODE helps you to understand your rights and the rights of your child. It details federal and state laws and resources and tools for helping your child. 
• Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD)
  OCECD is a statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the educational interests of children with disabilities.
• Child and Youth Law Program - (614) 241-2001 or (888) 246-4420
  Provides information, advice, and representation regarding the education and healthcare rights of children