Assistive technology could help improve your child’s quality of life. Your goal is to provide her with everything possible to increase her independence and confidence, but with so many choices, you need to know more before you decide what is right for her.
Assistive Technology Options
Some of the assistive technology devices that could benefit a child with cerebral palsy include:
- Switch-activated toys. Various switches can allow children to play with toys in a way that they could not do otherwise.
- Electronic communication boards. Cerebral palsy impacts the muscles in the face, mouth, and throat of some children, which can make speaking difficult. Electronic communication boards provide children with the opportunity to communicate.
- Eye-tracking devices or other computer aids. These aids allow children with cerebral palsy to use computers even if they can’t control the keyboard or mouse with their hands.
- Assistive hearing devices. Some children with cerebral palsy experience hearing loss, and assistive hearing devices can help.
- Assistive mobility devices. Wheelchairs, for example, can be essential assistive technology devices.
Your child’s doctors, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and other providers will make recommendations based on her unique needs.
Paying for Assistive Technology
Your child may benefit from assistive technology now and for the rest of her life. Of course, the technology will change, and your child’s needs may change, making the purchase of additional forms of assistive technology necessary. The lifetime costs of assistive technology involve more than just the price of the device. Other costs to factor in include:
- Evaluating her need for assistive technology
- Purchasing the assistive technology
- Customizing the assistive technology for her
- Training her to use the assistive technology
- Providing training to parents, teachers, and others who support your child
If your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence at birth, the cost of current and reasonably foreseeable future assistive technology devices should be part of her legal recovery.
The Kentucky Statute of Limitations limits the amount of time you have to pursue a birth injury case. Call the experienced birth injury legal team at Gray and White Law today for a free consultation about your child’s rights and potential recovery for assistive technology devices and other damages.