The Costs of Accessible Living for Those with Cerebral Palsy

Grants Help Some, But Not All

Caring for a child with special needs, such as cerebral palsy, carries a number of costs. Some of these costs are recurring: food, medicine, and other consumables must be purchased monthly, and the lifetime cost of this care can be extremely high.




There are some grants available in some states to assist those with children who have cerebral palsy in acquiring things such as an accessible vehicle. For example the Hirth family from Muskoka, Ontario was given a $20,000 grant from the President's Choice Children's Charity. This money was given with the understanding that the Hirths would use it to purchase a van that was wheelchair accessible for their son Basil.

When children with cerebral palsy, such as Basil, are younger, it is easier to carry them or transport them in a stroller or other type of infant carrier. However, among children with cerebral palsy, mobility may continue to be a major issue for the rest of their life, past the point where they can fit into a stroller. Providing an electric wheelchair, and a means to transport that wheelchair, is crucial to ensuring they can attend school, therapies, and essentially, to provide them with a means of independent living.

The Hirths understand that "cerebral palsy is unique as the disorder affects children in different ways, especially depending on the level of severity" and that you have to "take each day one day at a time". However, if cerebral palsy comes about as a result of an injury at or around the time of birth, you may be able to recover a verdict or settlement that can assist your family in providing the accessible equipment that your child needs. An experienced birth injury lawyer in Chicago, such as those at Beam Legal Team, can evaluate your case and assist you in moving forward.