Cerebral Palsy Support Group
Cerebral palsy or CP is the most common childhood physical disability. It is a permanent physical condition that affects movement. There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but various forms of therapy can help a person with the disorder to function more effectively. If you or a loved one has cerebral palsy, join the group to share your experience or get advice from others.
Okay so my fiance suggested that I read this book . It is about a woman in her 20s that has CP and decides to get a service dog. I was raised and engrained with the thought that doing things yourself with cerebral palsy will not only help you be independent, but also keep you fit and in shape.
In the book the woman discusses how she was suggested that she be in a wheelchair, because she falls sometimes. She absolutely refused to accept being in a chair, so she wanted a service dog. Now to me, I felt like "What is wrong with being in a chair?"However, if I had the ability to walk permanently, I may have shared the same feelings with her if I was in her given situation.
My one issue with this book is that she used the dog to turn on light switches, pick up pens when she sat at a desk, etc. Now I have a grabber to help me pick things up. If you have the ability to do something, why wouldn't you wanna do it yourself? In the book the author states how prior to calling about a dog, she was ashamed and embarrassed to say that she had cerebral palsy. After she was able to get a service dog, she said that she felt glad to have cp bc she gained a dog from it.
I find it sad that a person can be ashamed to say what they have going on with them. People need to embrace what makes them different, because if not there will be continued negative stereotypes. It is okay for people to ask questions, and for you to answer and be confident and proud to say yes I am different. If I have the ability to do something, I am gonna do it. Then once you accept the way you are, you will be able to do anything!
On the radio they were saying what an inspiration this girl was, but I feel it's so sad that she needed a dog to make her feel better about herself. I think she should have been more comfortable with herself before she got a dog. I am proud to say that I have cp because it means I can give people a different perspective on life.
When I am older, and I have kids and daily tasks get harder to do, then I may consider some assistance. I am not in any way dissing service dogs (I am a major animal lover), I just wish that people would be comfortable with their disorder, and do what they are capable of doing. if you need a dog that is fine, but don't fully depend on it for something you know you can do on your own. It is good physically for you to do somethings for yourself! It is 2011 and it's time that we not be embarrassed, everyone is born differently and has their challenges.
Thoughts and opinions??? I just had to vent about my feelings! lol so feel welcome to join in! :)
In the book the woman discusses how she was suggested that she be in a wheelchair, because she falls sometimes. She absolutely refused to accept being in a chair, so she wanted a service dog. Now to me, I felt like "What is wrong with being in a chair?"However, if I had the ability to walk permanently, I may have shared the same feelings with her if I was in her given situation.
My one issue with this book is that she used the dog to turn on light switches, pick up pens when she sat at a desk, etc. Now I have a grabber to help me pick things up. If you have the ability to do something, why wouldn't you wanna do it yourself? In the book the author states how prior to calling about a dog, she was ashamed and embarrassed to say that she had cerebral palsy. After she was able to get a service dog, she said that she felt glad to have cp bc she gained a dog from it.
I find it sad that a person can be ashamed to say what they have going on with them. People need to embrace what makes them different, because if not there will be continued negative stereotypes. It is okay for people to ask questions, and for you to answer and be confident and proud to say yes I am different. If I have the ability to do something, I am gonna do it. Then once you accept the way you are, you will be able to do anything!
On the radio they were saying what an inspiration this girl was, but I feel it's so sad that she needed a dog to make her feel better about herself. I think she should have been more comfortable with herself before she got a dog. I am proud to say that I have cp because it means I can give people a different perspective on life.
When I am older, and I have kids and daily tasks get harder to do, then I may consider some assistance. I am not in any way dissing service dogs (I am a major animal lover), I just wish that people would be comfortable with their disorder, and do what they are capable of doing. if you need a dog that is fine, but don't fully depend on it for something you know you can do on your own. It is good physically for you to do somethings for yourself! It is 2011 and it's time that we not be embarrassed, everyone is born differently and has their challenges.
Thoughts and opinions??? I just had to vent about my feelings! lol so feel welcome to join in! :)
mmoss5986
I agree with you completely Melz...a service dog isn't supposed to be used as a "lazy's man remote", sounds to me like that dog could be better suited to someone with a true medical need for it. I'm wondering if rather than being in a wheelchair, did she consider maybe having some P.T. to work on her balance, maybe even a cane? She might benefit from gait analysis so they can figure out the best way to address this lady's particular CP circumstance. Also if her having CP is the purpose of her getting/wanting the dog & she's too embarrassed or ashamed to admit having CP does she really deserve it? May this lady never be my inspiration to make a dog turn off the light or grab a pencil for me when I'm pretty well capable of doing it myself....lol
melz1226
Exactly! I am so happy someone agrees with me! lol I mean my physical therapist would have kicked my ass if I threw all the therapy and training down the drain! She was in her early 20s like I am now. I am in a wheelchair so really I don't find that she has bad balance as an excuse. Every person handles things differently, but I am so sick of people being sad. You get one life spend it being happy!
Join the Conversation