A person with moderate to severe cerebral palsy (CP) can have success socially, educationally, and with employment, despite what society may think. With advances in computer technology, home support services, and communication devices, the authors undertook a study to see if employment and educational goals for adults with CP were more attainable now than in the past.

Besides an extensive physical examination, the 101 participants answered a standard questionnaire regarding living arrangements, education, employment, and social circumstances. The majority of the subjects were moderately disabled. More than half were able to perform upper body self-care, and 70 percent lived independently in the community, most within their own homes.  Over half had formal education beyond high school.  Over half were in competitive employment being paid market wages for their education and skills.  Education beyond high school was found to be the greatest predictor of vocational success.

True to the goal of the study, the authors found the rate of employment was higher than in past reports and suggest that most of the success is due to increased technology and formal education.  As for technology, most of the participants preferred a power wheelchair to manual wheelchair for greater ease with movement and conservation of energy. Socially, this study found that CP participants were engaged in all manner of sports including diving, river rafting, sailing, fishing, and preferred outdoor sports to indoor. Overall, increase in technology, education, laws, and support services have helped adults with CP gain both vocational and social success.

For further information: “Employment and Social Issues in Adults with Cerebral Palsy,” K. Murphy, MD; G. Molnar, MD; K. Lankasky, BA, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, volume 81, issue 6, p.807-811, June 2000.